In Spirit and Truth

Final Thoughts

2011-05-15T15:14:00.000-05:00

For almost three years, you and I have lived the Faith life together. We have worshiped, served in mission, studied scripture, and lived life together. As Kristin and I prepare to embark on a new adventure (with a slightly larger family than when we came to you) we are thankful for the opportunities we have had at Faith.

In my time at Faith I have written over 120 articles on various themes. Today I write my last article to you. Final thoughts are often the hardest to come by. There is an urge to cram every important thought into the single page, after all, I’ll never have another chance to speak to you in this way. I have wrestled in my own mind over what to say here. Ultimately, I chose what I believe is the most important.

Worship is a matter of submission to God, of seeing His majesty, of recognizing our own frailty, and submitting to His will and way. Worship is not found in the emotion of a song, or the swing of a hammer, it is found in the heart that does those things out of reverence for Christ.

Social justice in and of itself is not worship. But social justice, out of obedience and love for Christ is the sweetest fragrance to God. In the book of James, we are told that caring for the widows and orphans is pure and undefiled religion.

Singing songs on Sunday morning is not worship in and of itself. If we sing our songs for our own benefit, we have missed the greater act of worship. But when we sing with hearts full of awe at the thought of a God who loved us so much He sent His son to free us from the captivity of our sins, those songs rise to the throne of God.

True worship is total submission. Paul exhorts us in the book of Romans, to offer our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God. He tells us that this is our spiritual act of worship. But what does it look like to offer our bodies as living sacrifices? The short answer is to imitate Christ in His prayer "Not my will, but Yours be done." Sacrificing our own desires, and following the leading of the Spirit.

If you would like a little more detail in the answer, we turn to the writings of Paul (with whom I share in my inability to be brief). In the letter to the
Colossians, he lays out clearly what it means to be totally submitted to God.

If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. Put to death therefore what is earthly in you:sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. On account of these the wrath of God is coming. In these you too once walked, when you were living in them. But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator. Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all. Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
—Colossians 3:1-17

Your Homework and mine, for the rest of our lives. Become a true worshiper. Offer yourself as a living sacrifice. May your answer to the leading of God's Spirit always mirror that of Christ, "Not my will, but yours be done."

The Lord Directs Our Steps

2011-05-08T15:05:00.000-05:00

"The mind of man plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps." —Proverbs 16:9

Over the last few weeks, Proverbs 16:9, Proverbs 3:5-6, James 4:13-17 and Acts 17:26 have been the mainstays of my meditations. They all speak to God directing our paths.

I am reminded of a specific campout I attended in boy scouts where we competed in an Orienteering contest at Lake Texoma. Someone had laid out a path for us, that we were to follow. In order to get there we had to pay careful attention to our map, our compass, and the surrounding terrain. In the same way, our paths are laid out for us by God. Our destination is a life of intimate relationship with God. As circumstances in our lives change, as the terrain changes we have to reference our compass (prayer) and our maps (scripture). This often leads to a change of plans.

For me, right now, this change of plans comes in the form of a career change. I always planned to work with music until I died. I often stated that I couldn't fathom doing anything else with my life. But the Lord directs our steps. God has been cultivating a passion in my heart. It started small, just a seed, but has grown to a point where I can no longer ignore it, or give anything else precedence over it. That passion is to strengthen marriages. In his letter to the Ephesians, the Apostle Paul wrote that Marriage is a mirror image to Christ’s relationship with the Church. When the world looks at our marriages, they see how Christ loves the Church and how the Church loves Christ! Kristin and I are devoting our lives to helping the Church give a clear and accurate picture of how much God loves us all!

Faith has been such an amazing home for almost three years! It has been such a blessing to serve in a church that is so wrapped up in missions and caring for one another. Our lives are forever impacted by your love and hospitality! We are so grateful for the time we have had with you, and will continue to lift you in prayer as you advance the Kingdom of God in our world!

Declaring Thomas

2011-05-01T15:01:00.001-05:00

"Then [Jesus] said to Thomas, 'Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.' Thomas answered him, 'My Lord and my God!'" — John 20:27-28

Thomas gets a bad rap! Year after year, we go around calling him Doubting Thomas, like school children on the playground trying to get under his skin. I'm sure he didn’t expect that his one moment of grief would define him.

The truth is, Thomas only asked for what the other disciple's received. After the Resurrection, Jesus came into the midst of ten of the disciples and he showed them his wounds, spoke peace over them and commissioned them to the work of the kingdom. When the ten disciples saw this, they were "glad." I think to myself, surely that is an understatement, but that is what the text says — "the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord."

When Thomas returned from where he had been, the disciple’s excitedly told him all that they had seen. They told him of the wounds, they told him of the peace, they told him of the mission. Thomas', with a heart full of emotion, only longed for those very proofs that Jesus offered to the ten. Thomas statement could be more accurately read, "When I see what you saw, I'll believe like you believe!" or "I want to experience what you experienced!"

One week later, Thomas was given that chance! Behind locked doors, Jesus appeared to them. He walked straight over to Thomas and offered his wounds. Thomas didn't ask Jesus for proof, he had asked the other disciples. But Jesus, knowing the heart, walked straight to the one who had been away and freely offered his wounds. Thomas’ response, however, was slightly different than that of the other disciples. Thomas answered him, “My Lord and My God!”

Thomas was the very first (that I can find) who asserted the Divinity of Jesus. Oh, sure, I know we all think it was Peter, but I'm not sure Peter had quite grasped that aspect of Jesus. Peter declared that Jesus was "the Christ, the Son of the Living God." Those terms, however, which are found in Psalm 2:2 and 2:7, were simply Davidic or Messianic. The Jewish people did not associate the messiah with Divinity. Messiah simply meant "anointed one." Son of the Living God comes from God's statement to David in 2:7, and likely refers back to 2:6, which reads, "I have installed my King on Zion, my holy hill."

Peter recognized that Jesus was the Lord’s Anointed, but he was speaking in royal terms, he was looking for a King. It was Thomas who first recognized that Jesus was far more than Israel's conquering king. Jesus was, Thomas recognized and declared, God himself in their midst!

I often wonder why Jesus chose to reveal himself to all but one. Was Thomas slow getting the Mary's report to meet Jesus in Galilee? Was it on purpose that Jesus came when he was gone? Did Jesus want to test Thomas' belief? Did he want to set Thomas up for the revelation of Jesus’ divinity? Did Jesus want to create a moment where he could bless all of those who believe and have not seen?

All we, who have not seen and yet believe, are blessed by the faith, revelation and declaration of Thomas.

Homework this week: Meditate on the declaration, "My Lord and my God!"

Broken Hallelujah

2011-04-18T14:58:00.000-05:00

"After a little while the bystanders came up and said to Peter, 'Certainly you are also one of them, for your accent betrays you." Then he began to curse, and he swore an oath, 'I do not know the man!' At that moment the cock crowed. Then Peter remembered what Jesus had said: "Before the cock crows, you will deny me three times.' And he went out and wept bitterly." —Matthew 26:73-75

Perhaps you've noticed it. In our times of worship over the last five weeks, a familiar word has been missing. Hallelujah is a transliteration of a Hebrew phrase meaning "Praise Yahweh." But more than just praise, it carries the connotation of being foolishly clamorous. Throughout the ages, the church has steered away from its use during the Lenten fast.

But why? Surely God is worthy of our boisterous praise year round! God is certainly worthy! But those joyful praises can make it difficult to remember that we are not worthy, and Christ died for us anyway.

The season of Lent and the Lenten fast serve to remind us of our own brokenness. Those things that we gave up, make us realize our need for God. As we hunger for those things from which we are fasting, we turn our gaze and attentions to God, and pray with the psalmist, "Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts. See if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."

Like Peter, we have denied our Lord. We have looked to own benefit, and our own interests and have kept our distance from God. The season of Lent and the Lenten fast serve as an effective tool for self examination. We do not sing "Hallelujahs" because we do not want our Joy to carry us away from discerning our sin, and bringing us to repentance. During this brief time of repentance and reflection we postpone our joy so that when Easter comes we may celebrate it more completely.

Homework this week:
Pray Psalm 139, listen for what God would reveal to you.
Identify and agree with God on any hidden sins brought to your attention.
Repent of your sin, and turn to God.
Prepare for the overwhelming joy of Easter.

Well, Well, Well...

2011-03-27T14:53:00.000-05:00

"So he came to a town in Samaria called Sychar, near the plot of ground Jacob had given to his son Joseph. Jacob's well was there, and Jesus, tired as he was from the journey, sat down by the well. It was about the sixth hour. When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, 'Will you give me a drink?'" —John 4:5-7

Let anyone with eyes to see, see, and everyone with ears to hear, let them hear.

This story has always fascinated me. As Brad mentioned on Sunday, there are a hundred ways to look at this passage. Even the title of this weekly article was derived from this passage. Jesus tells us that the Father is looking for worshipers who will worship “en pneumati kai aletheia,” in spirit and truth. As we seek to worship God, it is helpful to know how God wants to be worshiped. But that is a topic for another day.

Today I want to look at something else. Brad mentioned that Jesus saw potential in the woman at the well and invested in her. This is true, but I think it may even go deeper. Jesus saw her as a person of great worth to God. Culture saw her as an outsider for her gender, morality saw her as an outcast because of her behavior, Prejudice saw her as unacceptable because of her race, but Jesus saw her as valuable because of her Creator.

How many people do we pass every day, and fail to see their worth? How many people do we just miss; who are either invisible to us, or worse, judged and shunned because they are "beneath us." From the drive-thru attendant at the fast food restaurant, to the checkout clerk at the grocery store, we have dozens of brief encounters with people of value every day. How can we be like Jesus in those interactions?

Well, what did Jesus do? First, He was mindful of his surroundings. He knew that in every place there is opportunity to bring healing and wholeness to a broken world. Second, He broke convention and exceeded expectation by engaging a person that He could have easily ignored. He acknowledged that she had value to Him, even if it was just as a means to get water (though we know He saw her true value as a person). Third, He shared life with her despite the cultural strikes she had against her.

What does this look like in our context? Well, that is your homework this week:
Identify the "wells" you visit this week. Maybe it’s the store, maybe it’s the sanctuary at Faith. Where do you come in contact with invisible humanity? Take note of the name-tags, or unfamiliar faces and engage that person. It may be the most important minute of that person's day, or life. Listen to the Holy Spirit as he guides the conversation. The Spirit knows exactly what that person needs, and will drop hints to you if you are listening. Share the life that God has given you. You never know how chance encounters can affect the destinies of a person, a town, or a nation.

Lift Your Voice

2011-03-20T14:51:00.000-05:00

"Praise the LORD. Sing to the LORD a new song, his praise in the assembly of the saints." —Psalm 149:1

This past Saturday evening we had the great privilege to host one of the best touring choirs in the United States. This 55 voice choir has traveled the world over the last 70 years, singing before presidents and heads of state. They have sung seven times at the White House for the previous two presidents. Even with all of these accomplishments, they sang for us, as if we were their most prestigious concert.

They serve as inspiration and example for us. Only half of the choir is made up of music majors. The other half comes from every walk of life and area of study you can imagine. But they come together with common purpose, lifting their voices in song to bring honor to their God.

We too serve this great and marvelous God. Each week we come together corporately to worship. We lift our voices in song, because we of all people have something worth singing about. We have the greatest story that can be told, and it is a story that often words alone do not do it justice.

We are approaching the season where we retell this story. As always, we will tell part of it with song. Holy Week carries such emotion that often our souls need assistance processing it all. The language of music helps make sense of these emotions and fulfills the deeper longing of the season.

And while our choir will likely never sing for presidents or heads of state, each week we do sing for the King of all kings. This Lenten season, I encourage you to join us for Choir, (Yes, you. The one reading this article. The one who doesn’t believe that you can sing well enough.) Join us for the season of Lent as we
explore the depth of the story.

Homework this week:
Pray about joining the choir just for the season of Lent. Let's fill the choir loft for Good Friday and Easter. Together, let’s declare the story of our salvation, of the Cross and Resurrection.

Let Us Break Bread Together

2011-03-13T14:49:00.000-05:00

"Suppose a brother or sister is without ... daily food. If one of you says to him, 'Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,' but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?" —James 2:15-16

A traditional part of the Lenten devotion is almsgiving. By caring for those who have no other means, we participate in the providence of God. Almsgiving makes the statement to God that we know he provides for our needs. We give, even out of our want, to provide for others, knowing that God will provide also for our needs. This almsgiving is a gift beyond the tithe that provides for the needs of others.

Homework this week: Consider making a gift to "Pastors Alms," a fund that helps cover the immediate needs of people in our community.

Consider bringing an extra dish to the Pot-luck this Saturday as we feed almost 60 college students who will have no other source for dinner.

Lay It Down, Pick It Up.

2011-03-06T14:45:00.000-06:00

"Then Jesus said to his disciples, 'If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.'"—Matthew 16:24

Self-denial isn't something we like to think about. Everything in our culture is directed toward the fulfillment of every desire. The very thought that we would purposefully suppress those desires is akin to failure in our minds. But Christ offers us a different picture.

Deny yourself. Not only on a small scale of personal desires, but deny yourself unto death (take up your cross). We ask, "What possible good could come of me laying down my life, or what good could possibly come from denying my desires?" Jesus expounds on the call, "For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it. What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?"

From the earliest days of the church, in the days leading up to our Lord's passion and death, it has been the practice of Christians to lay something down, and pick something up. What gets laid down is between you and God. In fact, God may already be telling you what it should be. Traditionally the fast has included some type of food, but may also include fasting from leisure activities and hobbies. The purpose of this fast is to listen for the voice of God. How is God calling you to grow as a disciple this Lenten season?

The Lenten fast consists of the 40 days (Sundays excluded) between Ash Wednesday [Mar 9] and Easter Sunday [April 24]. Each time you hunger for what you gave up, listen for the voice of God. Let Him stir in you a hunger for righteousness in its place. I encourage you to meditate on Hebrews 12 throughout your fast.

But the fast is only half of the equation! Lay something down (fast), Pick something up (devotion).

During the season of Lent we are calling the Church into increased devotion. Start by meditating on the life of Christ. Read two chapters of a Gospel per day. This will have you reading the entirety of the four gospels by Easter. Join or start a small group during Lent. There are cards throughout the hallways of the church that can guide you in that group. Next, take up your cross, literally. Wear a cross necklace to remind you, and to proclaim to others the death and resurrection of Christ. Lastly, share that cross. Don’t worry, we have plenty, you can get a new one once you've given it away.

Have You Seen?

2011-02-27T14:41:00.000-06:00

"Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white." —Matthew 17:1-2

Peter, James, and John were in the inner circle. Jesus would tell and show them things that he didn’t reveal even to the other disciples. They went everywhere with him. They saw the masses fed, the sick healed, and the dead raised. Jesus was doing things that only the prophets of God had ever done before. It was clear to them that Jesus belonged in the ranks of the holiest men known to history.

But for all that they had seen, nothing could prepare them for that day on the mountain. They expected this was just another "small group meeting." They would pray for one another and for the Kingdom of God. Can you imagine their surprise when before their very eyes Jesus was transformed before them? He shown like the sun, and his garments became pure white (no more dinginess from the dust of the road). Then out of thin air, Moses and Elijah, the champions of the law and of the prophets, appear with Jesus. If this isn’t enough to shake them, they then hear a voice from heaven proclaiming that Jesus is His son, and that they should listen to Him.

I'm sure this isn’t what they expected when they woke up. They had been with Jesus every day for almost three years; they had served with Him, taught with Him, walked with Him, done everything with Him. They thought they knew everything about Him. But before we judge them for their blindness, let’s ask ourselves the question. "Have I seen Jesus?" We too serve with Jesus, we’ve seen Him as we work in mission, and as we’ve sought justice for the oppressed. But have we seen a Jesus that shines? Have we seen Jesus in the splendor of holiness? Have we heard the voice from heaven declaring that Jesus is His son, and that we should listen to Him?

Lent is sandwiched between this moment of splendor, and the moment of God’s greatest glory, the cross. In one we see in His radiance that He is holy and blameless. In the other we see His divine sacrifice for our sakes, that we might be blameless and holy too.

As we enter the season of Lent, this season of self-examination, let us call to mind both our Lord’s transfiguration and his crucifixion. It is in this picture, when we truly see Jesus, that all of our work for the Kingdom of God finds value.

Sing The Wondrous Story

2011-02-20T14:36:00.000-06:00

"I wash my hands in innocence, and go around your altar, O Lord, singing aloud a song of thanksgiving, and telling all your wondrous deeds." —Psalm 26:6-7

The calendar moves on, and we are quickly closing in on my favorite time of the year—Lent. It may seem odd that a time of repentance and fasting would be anyone’s favorite time. What good can come from focusing on our faults for 40 days?

No good can come from us simply looking for all of our faults. It can only bring depression and malaise. But Lent is not a time to focus on our shortcomings, rather it is a time to focus on Christ, and on his sacrifice for us. Then, with an attitude of grateful joy, we look to ourselves and see how we might become more like him. This should be a hopeful time, a time of overflowing gratitude for what Christ has done for us.

I invite you to participate in all of our Lenten opportunities this year. With all of the emotional heaviness we experience in our culture, this season is a great opportunity to stir up our gratitude and our joy.

I specifically want to invite you—yes, you— to come and participate in the Cantata Choir as we meditate through song on the wondrous story.

I know what you’re thinking. Really, I do. It goes something like this, “Me sing? He wouldn’t say that if he heard me. I only sing with the radio in the privacy of my own car, or in the shower.” But here is a little known fact: The level of singing talent required to perform is indirectly proportional to the number of people you have singing with you (It’s the law of averages and simply physics). This means if you can sing “happy birthday” with a group of people, you’re entirely qualified!

Rejoice?

2011-02-06T14:27:00.000-06:00

"Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." —Philippians 4:4-8

Norman Vincent Peale once wrote about the Power of Positive Thinking. He believed that simply having a good attitude about things could improve your circumstances.

It has never quite worked that well for me. Trying to drum up a positive attitude can prove to be difficult. I'm a "hope for the best, plan for the worst" kind of a guy, so it is fairly difficult for me to try and find the "positive angle" on difficult situations.

The Apostle Paul, took this idea of positive thinking to a deeper level. For Paul it wasn't about looking for the positive angle in life, rather, it was about finding God in all situations. "Rejoice in the Lord!" We can rejoice in all situations because we believe and trust that God is Lord over all situations. There is nothing that we will ever face that God cannot use for our eternal good!

It is in this scenario that we can lay aside our worries, and with thanksgiving trust God to meet our needs! It is in this scenario that no storm can threaten us, for we rejoice in the Lord of the storm! "Rejoice in the Lord, always; again I will say, Rejoice!”

Homework this week:
Find the book Prison to Praise by Merlin Carothers. It’s short, and worth your time. Find the song I Am Ready For The Storm by Rich Mullins on iTunes, it's cheap and worth your time.

Today

2011-01-22T14:23:00.000-06:00

"The living, the living—they praise you, as I am doing today; fathers tell their children about your faithfulness." —Isaiah 38:19

Life is busy. We all have places to go and people to see. It is easy to get caught up in the doldrums and monotony of life, but to do so we miss out on a hundred joys that each moment has to offer. There are any number of inspirational phrases that encourage us to live in the moment — "stop and smell the roses", "Carpe Deum." — Somehow we know that it is in these infinitesimal moments and not in the grandeur of our plans, that we will find joy.

I have heard it said that the present is where time intersects with eternity. The past cannot be changed, and the future cannot be known. It is only in the present that we can make a difference. It is only right now that I can have the relationship with God that I desire. Yesterday cannot be changed, tomorrow cannot be known. It is only today that I can live for God. Only now, in this moment.

But moment leads on to moment. Task leads on to task. We are easily overcome by the urgency of the generally insignificant. And all of the sudden, tomorrow begins ruling our lives. We don't have time for anything right now because tomorrow is the big meeting. Tomorrow the kids leave for college. Tomorrow I'll get that promotion. Tomorrow I'll have more time. But tomorrow never comes and a million moments are washed away into yesterday.

Perhaps for you, there was an event so devastating in your yesterday, that memories, sorrows, or regrets crowd out any possibility for a joyful today. Yesterday takes up so much of your attention that you shuffle through your today, and so tomorrow never comes.

We need a reset button. Something to help us focus our attention on what is set before us. I believe that God gave us that reset button in the seasons of the church. Throughout the year we are given several "reset" points, where we have an opportunity to focus our attention on Jesus; to stop the whirling thoughts in our head, and meditate on Christ.

It is found throughout life, it is true when driving a car, it is true when waking or running, it is true when plowing a field — you go where you look. What has your attention has all of you. Today, in this moment, fix your eyes on Jesus. Today, in this moment, spend time communing with God through prayer and the reading of scripture.

Homework this week:
Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.

Refugee Status - Part II: With Me

2011-01-16T14:20:00.000-06:00

"O Lord, you have searched me and known me. You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from far away. You search out my path and my lying down, and are acquainted with all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, O Lord, you know it completely. You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is so high that I cannot attain it. Where can I go from your spirit? Or where can I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there; if I make my bed in Sheol, you are there. If I take the wings of the morning and settle at the farthest limits of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me fast." —Psalm 139:1-10

Some days I feel like a refugee. I feel small and forgotten in an angry world. I feel far from home; nomadic in my spirit. When I find myself in these dry places, I reflect on the mystery of Emmanuel.

What does it mean for me — for you — that God came in the form of a baby, lived in our reality, suffered, died and was resurrected? What does it mean for us that God sent His Holy Spirit to guide us, to empower us, and to lead us into all truth? To me, it means that I, no matter how much I may think so, am not forgotten. It means that I am known, and loved. It means that I am never alone. I cannot run beyond the reach of His arm.

This is the joy of the Gospel. We are not alone. Some days I feel like a refugee, I feel small in a big world. But I am convinced that on those days, I need to readjust my focus. I find that Psalm 139 is an excellent reminder of God's constant presence our lives. He is never shocked or surprised by the things that occur in our lives. In fact, we find ourselves much more even keeled when we take the time to orient ourselves toward God each day.

Homework this week: Pray Psalm 139 each morning this week as a way to remind yourself of God's constant presence with you. Throughout your day, when you are caught in traffic, or dealing with a difficult circumstance, remind yourself that God is aware of it. He is acquainted with all of your ways. See if that simple prayer makes a difference in your day.

Refugee Status

2011-01-09T14:17:00.001-06:00

"I love you, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer, my God, my rock in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised, so I shall be saved from my enemies."
—Psalm 18:1-3

Some days I feel like a refugee. Those days it feels like we live in a world torn apart by war. Perhaps it is in a tangible way as I watch the news and see the
exploding bombs of the political landscape or the physical wars where our young men and women are actively engaged in combat. But sometimes that war torn life is a little more subtle.

Sometimes we feel the war because of an unkind word, or a difficult circumstance. Sometimes we feel like political prisoners to someone else's opinion or whim. It happens all the time. One day you’re living your life, enjoying your community and family, and the next day the bomb has gone off, the company has been sold and you're out of a job. Even so, the bills keep piling up, and you find yourself truly fearful that the refugee tent may become a reality, rather than a metaphor. Hopefully, you’ll never have to face this, but many around us live it every day.

But this, this right here, is why we just celebrated Christmas. Because in Christ, God is with us. God is actively and currently with us. In celebrating what God did, we recognize what God continues to do. We are not left to face our wars alone. We have a refuge! The psalmist saw this, and rejoiced in it. Psalm after psalm after psalm is filled with the language of God as a refuge, as a strong tower, a shield, and rock that cannot be moved. The psalmist saw the terror of war, he experienced first hand those who plotted against his life (and not just figuratively), and in those moments, he cried out to God, and rejoiced in the coming salvation of God. A salvation that he was not currently experiencing, but trusted in. He knew that God would deliver him from his enemies because God was faithful. How much more can we trust in God to bring us safely home? God is with us.

Homework this week: One of the ways that God is with us, is through the action of his Church (the Body of Christ). Ask yourself, and ask God, "How can I be a refuge for someone else on God's behalf? What things could I do to shelter someone who is experiencing 'refugee status?'"

Happy New Year!!!

2010-11-28T14:09:00.000-06:00

"Remember the days of old; consider the generations long past. Ask your father and he will tell you, your elders, and they will explain to you." —Deuteronomy 32:7

At one time, we could finish digesting our Thanksgiving dinner before we heard the faintest strains of Christmas. Four weeks of Advent were sufficient to prepare our spirits for the coming of Christ! Today we’re lucky if we get through Halloween before the radio stations start playing 24x7 Christmas music. Suddenly when we have to buy gifts for everyone in our family and friends group, 4 weeks just isn’t enough time.

So it is only proper, I think, to keep with our current tradition, and take this moment to skip straight to the New Year! I think it could catch on! Christmas at Halloween and New Year at Christmas!

Actually, it is proper, and has been for some time! You see, the first Sunday of Advent is the first day of the Church Year. The church calendar provides a method for us to recall the whole salvation story of God each year. We begin, appropriately, at the very beginning. We begin at Advent, remembering the waiting that the people of God endured for centuries as they anticipated their redemption. We join with them, waiting for the return of Christ, where he will firmly establish the Kingdom of God, and redeem all of creation.

In the calendar we will reach the heights of rejoicing at Christmas, the depths of heartache at Good Friday, and return to rejoicing at Easter! We will remember the mission on Pentecost, and will celebrate the mission during Kingdomtide. The calendar takes us on a journey of remembrance that encompasses the full range of human emotion. As we celebrate this new year, let us look for the coming of Christ in our every day activities. You see, we remember that Christ came in a manger, and we await his coming in glorious victory, but today Christ comes to us when we are obedient to his call to serve. When we care for the sick, befriend the lonely, provide for the poor, and serve the least of these, we witness the presence of Christ in our midst.

Advent is that time of waiting for the redemption. We remember the way our spiritual ancestors waited for their redemption. Today we wait for Christ’s glorious appearing. But let us not forget those who live today without hope, without love, without joy, without peace, and without Christ.

This Advent, let us remember their waiting as well. Let us seek to proclaim the message of Christmas to those who still wait in darkness. Behold! Your light has come!

Homework this week: Meditate on the lyrics of your favorite Christmas Carol in light of God’s extravagant rescue mission.

Find a place to serve this Advent season to shine the Light of Christ. Restore Hope, Day Center for the Homeless, Stand in the Gap, Life Launch, and Cookson Hills are just a few places where the light of Christ within you could bring about God’s plan of redemption for someone who is still waiting.

He Became One of Us!

2010-11-21T14:14:00.000-06:00

"when the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, in order to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as children. And because you are children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, 'Abba! Father!'" —Galatians 4:4-6

This Advent season, in the 9:40 service we are going to be singing a new song. While it doesn’t seem on first glance to be all that “Christmassy,” the core of the song, like the core of the season is the Incarnation of Christ. Take a look at it.

Love Comes Down (by Matt Maher)

I'm searching for a king and kingdom
Here among the beggars and the weak
The broken and redeemed

I'm finding grace beyond all measure
In flesh and blood He hides His majesty
Inside of You and me

Why would a king do such a thing
Isn't it beautiful? / Isn't it marvelous?
The God of the universe / He became one of us
We cry out and then / Love comes down again
Faith is found in Him / Hallelujah

Oh glorious beyond all measure
Bending low to wash His traitor's feet
People just like me

Why would a king do such a thing
Isn't it beautiful? / Isn't it marvelous?
The God of the universe / He became one of us
We cry out and then / Love comes down again
Hope is found in Him / Hallelujah

So sing! Sing for faith! Sing for hope!
Sing for what great love has done!
What was lost He has found! Shout it out! oh

Isn't it beautiful? / Isn't it marvelous?
The God of the universe / He became one of us
We cry out and then / Love comes down again
Glory's found in Him / Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

Christmas is Christmas precisely because God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. God, infinite in majesty and glory allowed himself to be constrained by his creation. He subjected himself to the nature of his creation, and endured and overcame every temptation. Then, he who knew no sin, became sin for us, that we who knew no righteousness, might become the righteousness of God.

Christmas is, as Zechariah said in Luke 1:78, the Dayspring from on high visiting us. Christmas is the first light of our redemption; it is the first note in the symphony of our reconciliation to God. We rejoice because of the tender majesty of our God, the magnificent mercy displayed by God rescuing us himself. He entered our world and did not require us to reach perfection before he would interact with us!

Homework this week: Meditate on the lyrics of your favorite Christmas Carol in light of God’s extravagant rescue mission.

Good Will Hunting

2010-11-07T14:03:00.002-06:00

"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect." —Romans 12:2

"What is God’s will for my life?" This question is repeated by people in all walks of life, and at all stages of those lives. Once we have decided to follow Jesus, it becomes a central question to our lives, where is he leading us?

This question caused me no amount of frustration and inner turmoil as a younger man. I spent much time trying to determine a destination, straining to hear God’s voice leading me toward a glorious end. It took years before I realized that God’s will was perfectly laid out for believers in two brief statements. Through obedience to these two small statements, a Christian can learn the will of God for their lives.

The first is found in Matthew 16, Mark 8, and Luke 9, “If anyone would be my disciple, let them deny themselves, take up their cross daily and follow me.” The second is found above in Romans 12. “Do not be conformed, but be transformed.” In these two statements, we find that we are to realize that our walk as disciples has very little to do with “our” walk or “our” destination, and more to do with looking like Christ.

Being transformed by the renewing of our minds is a process that theologians call “Sanctification.” It is the process of Salvation that is ongoing. When we accepted Christ as our sovereign ruler (Lord) we were Justified by God, our sins washed away by the sacrifice of Christ on the cross. But we are still human, we still struggle with the every day decisions. As we pray, read scripture, and live in the community of believers, we allow God to “change our minds” about all manner of topics until we resemble Christ. Paul tells the Romans that it is in this process of renewing our minds that we are able to discern God’s will. I may even go a step further, and say this process is God’s will.

What is God’s will for your life? To look like Christ.

Homework this week: Determine what sources of input are forming your ideas and decisions. Decide whether those forms are helping you to renew your mind to look like Christ. Choose to renew your mind through prayer and the reading of scripture this week.

Be Like Gary

2010-11-01T14:17:00.002-05:00

"Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ."
-1 Corinthians 11:1

"If [in this life] I'll never be like Jesus, at least let me be like Gary Benjamin."

For the longest time I was amused by that statement. My long-time friend said those words in what I imagined was a healthy mix of tongue in cheek and sincere admiration. Today, the statement no longer amuses me, it drives me.

For me, it isn't Gary Benjamin (no offense Gary). For me, it's my grandfather P.B. Mangum, a principled man who loved his wife in little ways that made a big impact on all those who witnessed it. My mom recalls that he would take her out on the lake that he and his sons built with their own hands, rowing the boat to the best fishing spot for her to fish. When he cut open a new watermelon, he would always cut out the heart of the melon and give it to her. The kids had to make due with the seeded parts. I desire to imitate the preference he showed for his wife as I try to be a godly husband.

It isn't only P.B. it's also St. John the Beloved, who loved Christ so much, that like a little child he lay his head on Jesus shoulder at the last supper. I long to be that close with our Lord. It's also St. Paul who did not waver or relent in his preaching the Gospel of Christ. I hope that I never shrink back from the proclamation of the Good News of our redemption in Christ! It's also St. Thomas who was the first to declare the deity of Christ (My Lord, and my God). I pray that I will be open to the revelation of Spirit of God even when those ideas defy convention.

It's also Mother Theresa who gave her life to comfort and aid the least, the poor, and the broken. It's St. Maximilian Kolbe who sheltered 2000 Jews in the Holocaust and willingly traded places with a husband and father marked for death in Auschwitz. It's also Colleen VanZee whose joy for life and love shone bright even in the darkest circumstances. These saints provide us with clear pictures of what it means to serve and worship God. They are worthy of imitating as we strive to be like Christ. This is what it means to be surrounded by the Great Cloud of Witnesses.

Homework this week: Let us fix our eyes of Jesus and run the race of faith before us. Let us allow ourselves to be reminded by those who have already run the race, what it means to be a good runner. And let us run this race with perseverance until we see our God and our Family of Faith on that final day.

What If? Part II: The Power of Vision

2010-10-24T14:11:00.000-05:00

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."
-Hebrews 12:1-2

Think back to your first driving lesson. When you finally made it out on the road for the first time you learned that wherever you looked, the car would follow. If you gazed at the oncoming traffic, your car seemed magnetically attracted to them (much to the dismay of your parent-passenger). Wherever you set your eyes, your path with follow. This is universally true! The scripture is full of examples of how people’s lives and choices were deeply effected by where the gazed.

In Genesis, Lot pitched his tent toward Sodom, two chapters later we find him living in the city. Jesus, fixed his eyes on the joy set before him (our salvation) and endured the cross to bring it to pass. Luke 9:51 says that Jesus "set his face to go to Jerusalem" even though he knew that he would face the cross. Paul exhorts the Philippians to set their thoughts on things that are lovely, pure, and of good report. He instructs the Colossians to "Set [their] minds on things above, not on things of earth." And the writer of Hebrews tells us in today's passage to fix our eyes on Jesus.

Why is this important? Because wherever you set your eyes, your path will follow. On a diet, if all you think about is "I can't eat that!" then you are constantly tempted, because what you are thinking about is "that" thing. We overcome temptation, not by thinking negatively about the temptation, but by fixing our eyes on the goal. You don't overcome a bad habit by saying, "I can't behave 'that' way anymore." You overcome the habit by replacing it with a positive habit, by fixing your eyes on the desired result.

Likewise, as we seek to see God's kingdom come in our lives and in our world, we cannot focus on the problems in the world, or on the roadblocks that we perceive stand in our way. We focus on the prayer "Thy Kingdom Come, Thy Will be done." We fix our eyes on Jesus, and let our path carry us there.

What if? What if we were able to impact South Tulsa? What if because of FAITH, South Tulsa experienced the grace and love of God? What if the unemployed, the single parent, the parent of a special needs child, the teen, the child, the single adult, the divorced, the widow or widower found out that God loved them because we were faithfully following the will of God? What if nothing stood in our way?

Homework this week: Let us focus on Christ this week. Run the race that is set before us. Don't worry about any other race, just run the one before us. Let us look to Christ and listen for his voice guiding us into the adventure of obedience.

What If? Part I: Don't Worry, Be Thankful

2010-10-10T14:07:00.000-05:00

"Therefore do not worry, saying, 'What will we eat?' or 'What will we drink?' or 'What will we wear?' ...indeed your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own. Today's trouble is enough for today."
—Matthew 6:31-34

What if…? These two little words have an immense amount of power over our lives. We make daily decisions based on them. The industries of financial planning, insurance, security systems, and the like are all dependent on you taking the time to imagine the dreadful possibilities, and then offer you a way to prepare for the worst.

There is nothing wrong with forethought and planning for the future, In fact, it is wisdom to make provision for your future. Sadly, many of us allow "What if?" to rule us like an oppressive dictator and not like a sage adviser. We can easily be driven from decision to decision out of fear of the future.

Jesus had very strong things to say about the place of worry in our lives. In the above passage he tells us not to worry about our basic physical needs, and in verse 27, he points that worrying accomplishes nothing. The efforts of our worry cannot even add a single hour to our lives. In Philippians 4:6, we are instructed that when "what if" tempts us to worry, the proper response is to lift the "what if" to God in prayer with thanksgiving.

What if? What if you and I trusted that God would provide for our needs? What if we believed that nothing could befall us that he did not see? What if we believed that God could take any situation and work it for our good and for His glory? What if we could plan for tomorrow without worrying about tomorrow? What if?

Homework this week: Examine your heart. Have you been driven by worry and fear? Make the moment-by-moment choice to lay your worries down by taking up prayer. Let the Peace of Christ rule in your hearts and minds.

Covered in the Dust: Part IV - Take Up Your Cross

2010-10-03T14:02:00.000-05:00

"Then he said to them all, 'If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.'"
—Luke 9:23

"How do I become a disciple?" There are books and bible studies that are dedicated to answering that question. Some people answer the question with a system or formula, (bible study x prayer + generosity = faithful disciple). Some people take a more organic approach, (Love one another, serve one another). But the process of becoming a disciple is the same today as it was when Jesus walked the earth. He gave us the only formula we need when he said, "If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me."

Practically, becoming a modern disciple of Jesus means denying yourself, and taking up your cross daily by declaring to yourself and to God that nothing you possess, no relationship you have, no dreams you hold are worth more than being submitted to the will of God.

It sounds so simple when Jesus says it. It's just three steps: deny, take up, and follow. But when it's our dreams and plans that are placed on the altar of sacrifice, when it's our hopes that we submit to God's plan, it can get a little nerve-racking. Our minds get consumed with "What if…?" "What if God takes this away from me? What if I am mocked for denying myself? What if I deny myself and it's still not good enough? What if God doesn't use me, or worse, makes me miserable?" Yes, the first step to faithful discipleship is disconcerting.

But once you have decided, and declared that you are a disciple. Once you've made it past that initial struggle, we begin to ask a slightly different question. "What if…?" What if I obey, and God shows up to help the lost and the hurting? What if in denying myself I make a way for someone else to experience grace and forgiveness? What if in giving, I receive? What if there were more disciples? If 12 disciples can result in the church we have today, what if we all were faithful disciples? What could God do with us then?

Homework this week:
Pray, the prayer of St. Francis as a way to surrender yourself to God’s will. Ask "What if God used me this week?" and expect an answer.

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace;
where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon:
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope
where there is darkness, light
where there is sadness, joy
O Divine Master,
grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled
as to console;
to be understood, as to understand;
to be loved, as to love;
for it is in giving that we receive,
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to Eternal Life.
Amen.

Covered in the Dust: Part III - We've Left Everything

2010-09-27T13:57:00.001-05:00

"Peter began to say to him, 'Look, we have left everything and followed you.' Jesus said, 'Truly I tell you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields, for my sake and for the sake of the good news, who will not receive a hundredfold now in this age—houses, brothers and sisters, mothers and children, and fields, with persecutions - and in the age to come eternal life.'"
-Mark 10:28

Jesus called Matthew saying, "Follow Me," and Matthew answered extravagantly. He left his tax booth behind. Jesus called Peter saying, "Follow me, and I will make you [a fisher] of mankind," and Peter left the boat, and abandoned his nets. Every disciple had to let go of their life as they knew it in order to follow Christ.

Today the call of Christ rings out, "Follow Me." Many never hear that call, and this is a tragedy, but the greater tragedy is those who hear, but stand paralyzed by the fear of leaving their lives behind. But Jesus made it abundantly clear, being a disciple was difficult endeavor, and the cost of being his disciple was everything. In Mark 8:34 we read,

He called the crowd with his disciples, and said to them, "If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake, and for the sake of the gospel, will save it. For what will it profit them to gain the whole world and forfeit their life?"

But what does this mean practically for us today? Are we all to become roving evangelists, or missionaries to some far off region? Is God going to send us to
Africa if we offer ourselves as his disciple? While that may be the plan God has for you, I will say that it is statistically rare, so probably not. Practically, becoming a modern disciple of Jesus means declaring to yourself and to God that nothing you possess, no relationship you have, no dreams you hold are worth more than being submitted to the will of God.

How can you be sure that you've submitted your life to God? Ask yourself a few questions. If God asked you to walk away from your vocation, and serve him in the medical field, or the pastorate, or some other area in which he may have given you gifts, how would you respond? Would you leave your nets like Peter did? Could you abandon your booth like Matthew? What if God asked you to give away more of your time, money, or resources than you currently do? Would you obey, or would you like the young man in Mark 10:17 walk away with a heavy heart because your things own you, rather than you owning your things.

The cost of discipleship is great. Throughout history, many disciples have left everything, many have lost their lives, but they lived with an eye toward heaven, and they are receiving their reward.

Homework this week: Pray, "God, show me where I am not submitted to you. Help me to be your faithful disciple. Give me the strength to follow wherever you lead."

Covered in the Dust: Part II

2010-09-20T13:51:00.000-05:00

"As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth; and he said to him, 'Follow me.' And he got up and followed him."
-Matthew 9:9

As a young child, Matthew had gone through the educational system. He would have attended both Bet Sefer (House of the Book) and Bet Talmud (House of Learning) at the synagogue from age 6 to age 13. He learned the scriptures inside and out, and at age 13 was declared a "son of the commandments" at his "Bar Mitzvah."

Around the same time as his Bar Mitzvah he would present himself to a rabbi to be given an oral test. The rabbi’s would test not only his knowledge of scripture, but also his understanding of scripture and its theological concepts. The knowledge of scripture a requirement for the Bar Mitzvah, but the understanding would have allowed him to be the student of a rabbi. This elite form of higher education was known as the Bet Midrash. Only if you had a grasp of those theological concepts that the rabbi deemed important would he call you to be his disciple. Otherwise he would congratulate you on your knowledge of scripture and encourage you to learn your Father’s trade.

When we meet Matthew we see that he was not chosen to follow a rabbi. Rather he makes his living by serving the government that oppresses his people. Scripture doesn't tell us how much time has passed since his Bar Mitzvah, but we know that enough time has passed for him to gain a reputation as a "tax collector and a sinner."

Though no other rabbi did, Jesus the rabbi had seen worth in him. Jesus the rabbi decided that he had enough of a grasp on theological concepts that he could follow him and learn his "yoke," his system of rules and teachings. Jesus the rabbi had uttered those two words that he had longed to hear, "Follow Me."

For the next three years Matthew studied under the rabbi Jesus. He, no doubt, heard the common blessing given to rabbinical students, "May you be covered in the dust of your rabbi." May you walk so close to him, that the dust that he kicks up on the path would coat you. May you follow him so closely, so precisely that you will do what he does, say what he says, feel what he feels and think what he thinks.

We know from history that Matthew was covered in the dust of Jesus. He took the yoke upon himself and became the rabbi for so many. He gave us the Gospel of Matthew and so much more. The call still goes out each and every day. To the destitute and the successful, to the blue collar and the white collar, to the righteous and the wicked - it echoes in our hearts and minds, "Follow Me." Can we, like Matthew, respond by leaving everything we know, the certainty of our processes, the familiarity of our habits, leaving them to follow Jesus, trusting that following him is infinitely better than what we currently have?

Homework this week: May you be covered in the dust of your rabbi.

Covered in the Dust

2010-09-12T13:47:00.000-05:00

"As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth; and he said to him, ‘Follow me.’ And he got up and followed him."
-Matthew 9:9

Jesus had been turned away. He had healed a man possessed by demons, and the people of that town were so scared, and perhaps angry at the loss of their herd of pigs, that they sent him away. And so, Jesus returned to Capernaum. The sun hangs low in the sky, the air is thick with hot moisture, and the smell of fish in inescapable. Most people are getting ready to close up shop. The peak hours are past, and dinner with friends and family is all anyone can think about.

Jesus is likely on his way to Peter’s house for the night when he and his disciples pass a paralytic man being carried home from a day of begging. Jesus sees him and responds, "Take heart son, your sins are forgiven." Those walking by take mental note, and pronounce judgment on Christ in their hearts. Jesus senses their disapproving looks, and knowing the thoughts of their hearts rebukes them, and then to prove his authority to forgive sins, he heals the paralytic. Those watching gasp, and begin to whisper to one another in astonishment.

As Jesus continues to the house, those who witnessed the miracle follow behind at a safe distance to see if he will do anything else that night. Jesus did not
disappoint.

He came to the square of the city, the main hub of shops and businesses. As he made his way through the maze of booths he came to the booth of a tax collector, a man despised by all of his peers. This man not only took their money, but he did so for a foreign, oppressive government. Surely Jesus would either ignore him or excoriate him. When Jesus stopped in front of the booth, everyone braced for the coming confrontation. But Jesus uttered only two words: Follow me.

Then the most amazing thing of the day happened. More amazing than a man delivered from demons, more amazing than a lame man walking home; a tax collector got up and left his booth. He didn’t wrap up business or close up shop. He just got up, and left. He invited Jesus to his home for his dinner, and Jesus accepted.

It is hard to fathom the courage it took for Matthew to leave behind his whole life. Perhaps Matthew had heard of Jesus before and was just waiting for an invitation. Whatever the case, Matthew decided that what Jesus offered was infinitely better than what he had.

The call still goes out each and every day. To the destitute and the successful, to the blue collar and the white collar, to the righteous and the wicked - it echoes in our hearts and minds, "Follow Me." Can we, like Matthew, respond by leaving everything we know, the certainty of our processes, the familiarity of our habits, leaving them to follow Jesus, trusting that following him is infinitely better than what we currently have?

Homework this week: Hear and respond.

Forgive us...As we forgive

2010-08-29T13:40:00.001-05:00

Last June & July I wrote a series of articles on "Finding Freedom" through forgiveness. In light of our current series on the Lord’s Prayer, I felt it was appropriate to republish the second of that series.

"...forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us."
—Matthew 6:12

Jesus, it seems, was pretty serious about our forgiving those who wrong us. He put some pretty strong conditions on forgiving, tying our own forgiveness to how we forgive.

But forgiveness is hard! When we even think about forgiving "that person" the pain returns and the wound feels as though it were just inflicted. All of the emotion returns, and try as we might, we just cannot bring ourselves to release them.

It is important for us at this point to properly define what forgiveness is, and what it is not. We often withhold forgiveness, simply because we do not understand what it means to forgive.

Forgiveness is: releasing my right to be angry and/or bitter toward a person for the wrong they committed and releasing the outcome to God.

Forgiveness is not: treating the event like it never happened. Forgiveness does not mean that you were never hurt; it does not imply that the offense didn’t matter or that it was insignificant. Forgiveness recognizes the depth of the wound, acknowledges the seriousness of the offense, and then chooses to relinquish the outcome to God.

Forgiveness is not: reconciliation. Though there may be a time when God nudges you to seek reconciliation; and though reconciliation may sometimes flow naturally out of forgiveness, they are not synonymous. In fact, there are certain circumstances where reconciliation is either impossible, or unhealthy. In circumstances where the person has died, or dropped off the map, it is not possible to reconcile, and in cases of abusive relationships, it would not be healthy to re-enter into those relationships. Forgiveness does not seek to reconcile, it only seeks to release our bitterness and control of the outcome.

Homework this week: Write a list of names of those whom you have not forgiven, and write their offense next to their name. Pray that God would give you the grace to forgive. Then, one by one, choose to forgive.

Here is a forgiveness template that I have found useful. Imagine that person in the room with you and address the offender out loud.

(Name), you hurt me very deeply when you X____. But (Name), by an act of my will, I choose to forgive you for X_____. God, would you forgive me for holding onto this offense for so long. Help me to walk in the freedom that true forgiveness offers me.

Daily Bread

2010-08-22T13:33:00.000-05:00

"Two things I ask of you, O LORD; do not refuse me before I die: Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, 'Who is the LORD?' Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God."
-Proverbs 30:7-9

Give us this day our daily bread. When is the last time you really thought about the connotations of that portion of the Lord’s Prayer?

Lord, give me just enough to sustain me through one day. This brings to mind the children of Israel in their nomadic years, wandering in the desert, eating manna that God provided. If they ever collected more than one day’s supply it went bad (with the weekly exception of Sabbath day preparations). There was a lesson there for the Israelites that we all have to learn.

For me that lesson began in 2000 and continued for four full years that included my time in seminary, working for a missions agency, and a 9 month season of unemployment. During that time I came to understand that God, and no other person or thing, is my source.

Ultimately this is the purpose for our tithing. It is the regular declaration of our faith that God, not our job, or other financial resources, is our provider. We give him the first to remind ourselves that it is God who gives it all.

Homework this week: Pray, "Lord, give me just enough for today. Reveal to me the numerous ways in which you provide for my needs, financially, relationally and otherwise."

Worshippers the Father Seeks

2010-08-15T13:29:00.001-05:00

"Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth." -John 4:23-24

Worship is not about organs or guitars, ballads or rock songs, hymns or choruses. Worship is not about helping the poor, or feeding the hungry. Worship isn't about studying the Bible or learning about the life of Jesus. Worship isn't even about sharing our beliefs with those in our circle of influence, and it isn't about giving of our time, talents or resources. You can do all of these things, perhaps even better than everyone else, and never participate in worship.

What is worship about, if not these things? How do we please God if not by offering ourselves in these acts? How can we become the worshipers that God seeks?

There are two answers. The long answer will unfold over the course of 12 weeks in a Wednesday night class called "A Worshiper's Foundation." This class will look at what God says about worship. The writer of the book of Hebrews spoke of the Old Testament priests saying they served in a shadow of Heavenly worship (Hebrews 8:5). This class will look at worship through the lens of the Mosaic Tabernacle.

The very short answer is found when we look at the most common words for worship in both the Hebrew and Greek. The most common words for worship mean "to Bow." It is only when we recognize the holiness of God and bow our lives and our wills to His, that all of the actions in the first paragraph become more than just actions, they become worship.

The Lord's Prayer: As It Is In Heaven

2010-08-10T14:07:00.000-05:00

"Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven."
-Matthew 6:10

Our Father in Heaven,
- may your name be considered holy,
- may your kingdom come,
- may your will be done...
...on earth as it is in heaven.

A scholar I know suggests that the Greek lends itself to the above translation. Hallowed be thy name, he contends, belongs with "on earth as it is in heaven."

"On earth as it is in heaven" is not only one of the deepest prayers of the Church, it is also her commission. When we pray "on earth as it is in heaven," we accept the responsibility to make these statements true in our own lives, and to set the example for the world to see. Worded another way, we pray "May your name be considered holy (Hallowed), by humanity as it is by heavenly beings. May our world, nation, state, community, congregation, family and even our very selves, be submitted to your holy name, your great kingdom and your merciful will."

When we pray "on earth as it is in heaven," we enter into the prayer Jesus prayed in Gethsemane, "Not my will, but yours be done." And we do not pray out of exasperation, like the two year old who agrees to obey, but only begrudgingly and only because he has no other choice. We do not pray "Let your will be done on earth." Rather we pray for God’s will to be done on earth in the same manner that it is done in heaven--joyfully, and with great awe. When we pray "As it is in heaven," we are praying that God would give us wisdom to see things as he sees them. This portion of the prayer, when answered, moves us away from the blind obedience of the subjugated, to the faith filled obedience of the submitted.

This portion of our Lord's prayer is contingent upon the preceding words. "Our Father in Heaven." It is only when we experience the faithful love and provision of "Abba" Father God, that we can trust enough to submit ourselves to the holiness of God's name, the greatness of God's kingdom and the wisdom of God's will. And only through our submission to God, will that great prayer be finally answered.

Homework this week: Meditate on our Lord's prayer. Pray that God would reveal to you what it looks like for His will to be done on earth as it is in heaven.

The Lord's Prayer: Effective Prayer

2010-08-01T13:51:00.000-05:00

"Lord, teach us to pray." —Luke 11:1

There are volumes upon volumes of books on prayer. There is no shortage of opinions on “the right way” to pray. Many minister’s devote their entire life to teaching on prayer, some with orthodox thought and good intentions, other’s with neither. How then, are we to wade through the glut of information to find the true gems? How do we condense all of the many thoughts on prayer into small manageable bites?

The disciples were good Jewish boys. They grew up attending synagogue. They heard at least as many sermons as you or I; they heard at least as many prayers. They knew how to pray, they had seen it modeled countless times. What they had never seen was effective prayer.

Jesus often went away to a “solitary place” to pray. Each time when he returned, they saw him either teach with an authority they’d never before experienced, or heal the sick, or raise the dead, or feed thousands of people with minimal resources. When Jesus prayed, amazing things occurred. These were not the prayers they were used to. And so, one day, they caught the end of his prayer, and worked up the nerve to say, “Lord, teach us to pray [like you pray].”

I can identify with the disciples. In 1985, my family moved to the Dallas area. My father being United Methodist clergy, we joined First UMC in our new town. It was not long before I knew something was different. On our first Sunday in attendance we witnessed the Pastors gather around a woman with MS who had been wheelchair bound for some time. They gathered her family and friends up to the front and prayed for her. When she left church that day she walked out. She has not, to this day, returned to the wheel chair. I saw a prayer that day unlike any I’d seen before or since.

I, like the disciples, said, “Lord, teach me to pray.” The answer, I think, is not found in the volumes of books, but rather in the brief answer Jesus gave his disciples.

"Our Father in Heaven, hallowed be thy name." Jesus was being revolutionary by calling, and inviting us to call God, our father. But he was also giving us the valuable insight into prayer. It is this familial relationship with God that sets effective prayer apart from ordinary prayer. In recognizing that God is not distant, but that God knows our needs, and cares for us, we allow ourselves to be vulnerable and honest with God in our prayers. This is the first step to effective prayer.

Homework this week: Meditate on our Lord's prayer. Pray that God would deepen your understanding of the relationship he desires with you, and of what it means for you to pray, "Our Father."

Recommendation

2010-07-25T13:37:00.000-05:00

This past Friday, I took several members of our Praise Team down to Dallas for a retreat. It was a flying trip! We were gone for less than 30 hours. We had a full schedule, and there was hardly time to breathe, but I made sure that before we drove back we had dinner at Posados. In fact, any time I hear that someone is headed to Dallas for whatever reason, I make a point to stop them and say, "If you like Tex-Mex, you have to eat at Posados, there are four of five to choose from, google it. It is well worth your time."

What is the deal with Posados? It is quite simply the best Tex-Mex I have eaten in my life! I judge all other Mexican restaurants by how they compare. Posados is so good that I want to make sure those in my circle of influence experience it for themselves.

On a related note, I enjoy movies. I especially like obscure movies that tell a compelling story. When I find one that tops all of my expectations, I share that information. I have numerous friends and family members that call me before entering a movie theater, or before populating their Netflix cue, to see what I would recommend.

I know that I am not unique in this. We all have our areas of interest that we share with others. Even if you aren’t “a talker” there are some topics that you can’t keep silent about—a new restaurant, scientific theories, a new artist, sculptor, band, or even a new procedure at work. We are all skilled evangelists.

Somehow our concept of evangelism became distorted. We began to view it as handing out tracts, having all the answers, defending the faith, or convincing someone that they needed Jesus. Maybe your picture of evangelism was shaped by Billy Graham or a Televangelist. But evangelism is much simpler than we have made it. Simply put, evangelism is sharing something that is important to you with someone you know. It isn’t something that you need to take a course in, or pass a test to become certified. You already know everything you need to know, because you are only sharing your experiences and your own story.

"But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect…"
—1 Peter 3:15

Homework this week: Ask yourself, "what is the reason for the hope that is in me?" Examine what God has done for you or in you that has made a difference in your life. Make a note of your answer. Ask God to give you the wisdom to know when to share.

All Dressed Up

2010-07-19T13:33:00.000-05:00

"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful."
—Colossians 3:12-15

In the morning, when we wake up, our routine inevitably takes us to the closet or the dresser. Sometime shortly after our shower we confess to ourselves. "I am NOT going out in public like this!" There is something about our natural selves that we realize is not appropriate for public display. And so we cover ourselves with cotton, wool, or polyester. It would be preposterous for us to say, "If I cover myself, I am being deceptive! I am not giving people an accurate picture of who I am!" No one reading this would seriously consider walking through our day without some covering.

But when it comes to our personalities, how many times have we heard someone say, "This is just who I am, I can't change that!" One of my very favorite passages of scripture is Colossians 3:1-17. Right in the middle, in verse 12, Paul says "Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience." Did you see it? Did you catch that word? Clothe yourself. This shows up a number of times throughout scripture, and I believe each time, the word is intentionally used to evoke an image.

Paul realized that the things he was encouraging were not natural. Naturally we are selfish, snippy, impatient and rough. Yet Paul knows that God has enabled us to be more than our natural selves. By clothing ourselves in humility, we are not being deceptive, nor are we withholding an accurate picture of ourselves! Rather we are covering those areas of our spirit that are not suitable for public display. The rest of that passage is full of things that are not natural for us, but when clothed in righteousness we can achieve. Forgiveness, love, peace, thankfulness submission, gentleness, obedience, etc – all these things are possible through the empowerment of the Spirit. They are not things that come easily, or naturally. We must make the effort to put them on, like clothing for our soul.

Homework this week: A simple prayer. "Lord, in what areas do I need to clothe myself spiritually?"

The Sacred Life

2010-07-11T13:25:00.000-05:00

"Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving."
—Ephesians 5:1-4

"Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: 'Be holy, because I am holy.'"
—1 Peter 1:13-16

It is a common theme throughout scripture—God desires that his people be set apart. He instructed the Israelites to marry no one from other cultures or countries. God knew that the blending of families would also blend cultures. At that time Israel was the only monotheistic people; the only culture who worshipped God. In order to preserve this culture of God worshippers, he commanded them to be set apart, a nation unto themselves, to serve as witnesses of God's glory.

Today, we too have been chosen by God and the call to holiness now extends to us. I have known many people who become nervous when the topic of holiness is broached. It is often because they incorrectly link holiness with righteousness.

We find ourselves still struggling for perfection, still striving to attain the spirit-led life of true disciples. We find strain to hear God’s voice or to see God’s direction. We rightly recognize that righteousness is not something we can attain. Thankfully, righteousness is imparted as a gift to us through the work of Christ on the cross. We have been declared righteous by Jesus’ actions!

Holiness, however, is attainable. Holiness is the act of setting ourselves apart for God; of recognizing that we are ambassadors of God's Kingdom, here to represent and reflect God's glory, and His culture. The call to holiness has not changed in all of human history. It is the call to preserve the culture of God worshippers, and not to pervert that culture by blending with or resembling the cultures that surround us. It is not a one time action, but rather something of which we must be continually aware. It may effect our movie choices, or the jokes we tell. It may effect our conversations, or the things we complain about. It may effect our free time and leisure activities, and it certainly may seem disruptive to our lifestyle. But in the end we will find true fulfillment as we set ourselves apart from the surrounding culture for God’s glory.

Homework this week: Simply pray, "God reveal to me the areas of my life that I am not set apart for your Glory. Show me what steps toward holiness you desire for me to take. Give me strength to obey your call to holiness." Listen for God’s response.

Camping and the Heart of God

2010-06-28T12:40:00.000-05:00

"I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth."
—3 John 1:4

The Fourth of July is quickly approaching. It is one of my very favorite times of the year. Although for me the fourth doesn't evoke pictures of grand fireworks displays or patriotic concerts (though I greatly enjoy both), rather, when I think of the fourth I am transported in my mind to a place hundreds of feet below the surface of the "caprock" in north west Texas.

Here, on this week, in a small branch of the Palo Duro Canyon, some three hundred 4th & 5th graders assemble to meet with God. This camp, not unlike our own district camps, is a ministry of the United Methodist Church which reaches out not only to kids in conference churches, but also to those for whom camp is their first exposure to church or God.

In my 32 brief years of life, I have spent 27 of them attending this camp. In that time, I have witnessed countless children (many of them now adults) receive Christ into their lives. I have seen many more make the decision to make Jesus their Lord rather than merely Savior. I have witnessed many 4th and 5th graders hear and respond to the call of God on their lives toward vocational ministry. Many of them now serve in the pulpit today. For these reasons, and many others, I am convinced that camping is near to the heart of God.

But what makes camp so special? Why is God easier to hear in that canyon (or other campground) than when we are at home? One reason is that the camper spends his/her day following a curriculum that is centered and focused on Jesus. Another is that all other distractions are removed. iPods, game systems, tv's… all gone. Their eyes are fixed on Jesus, the author and perfecter of their faith. Lastly, for those who have grown up in unhealthy environments, they are surrounded, maybe for the first time, by examples of unconditional love, and by adults who care about them. When all distractions are removed, when our attention is turned completely to Christ, and when we experience tangible expressions of the love of God, we cannot help but be impacted by it.

The formula is almost foolproof. If you find that you haven't heard from God lately, I'd encourage you to get away. Find a quiet place far from distractions, and turn your eyes to Jesus. All throughout scripture, Godly men and women engaged in fasting for just this purpose. Pray about how God may want you to "camp" in his presence.

Homework this week: Pray about how you might enable our children to experience God in a real way through district camping. Perhaps you or your Sunday school could give a scholarship so that children who have no other means could attend. Perhaps you could give a week of vacation to serve as an adult volunteer at camp. Listen for God's leading and make an eternal difference in the life of a child.

"Why, You Little..."

2010-06-20T12:34:00.000-05:00

"Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch."
—Acts 11:25-26

The disciples were first called Christians at Antioch. But those who coined the phrase weren't being complimentary. It was something akin to "Goody-two-shoes." Strictly translated, Christian means "Little-Christ." What the people of Antioch meant as a jab, the disciples adopted as a motto. Paul spent a good portion of his writings dealing with the concept of being the body of Christ; on submitting our hands and feet to the will of Christ.

I have heard lots of discussion recently on what it means to be a good Christian. The answer is quite simple. Be a little Christ. In everything you do, strive to look like Christ. Love. Love the Lord your God will all… and Love your neighbor as yourself. That's it. That's all it takes.

Homework this week: Begin reading the Gospels again. Focus in on the words in red. Contemplate Christ. Pray, "Loving Redeemer, reveal to me the ways I can reflect your love to those around me today."

Chiseled

2010-06-13T12:27:00.000-05:00

The sound is deafening. Metal against stone; earth against earth. Unstoppable force meets immovable object. Chisel wins the battle and a hunk of rock flies off the stone and skitters across the floor. The stonemason stops for a moment to examine his work. Any flaw left in the stone will not only effect the aesthetics of the building, but will effect every stone placed after it, and could effect the strength of the building. This stone must fit with the angles of the cornerstone, or it is of no use in the building.

The strong, calloused hands of the stonemason brush away the grit left over from the last few blows of the chisel, revealing a few more jagged edges and bumps that must be smoothed away. And so the stonemason picks up his hammer and chisel and continues to work. He will work on this stone until it is smooth; until it fits into the plans he has for the building.

When he is finished, he will lift the stone into place, and there it will support the weight of the roof, and protect those who seek shelter.

"Rid yourselves, therefore, of all malice, and all guile, insincerity, envy, and all slander. Like newborn infants, long for the pure, spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow into salvation—if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good. Come to him, a living stone, though rejected by mortals yet chosen and precious in God's sight, and like living stones, let yourselves be built into a spiritual house."
—Psalm 113:1-3

Sometimes it seems that the blows never stop. Between the bills, rising prices, stress at home and at work seem to overwhelm us. It seems that someone out there knows just what buttons to push to work us up. Stupid drivers, never-ending road construction, noisy kids, demanding bosses, resume rejection after resume rejection, collection calls, expensive gasoline, grass that grows too fast, college tuition, adult kids who refuse to grow up, and a million others that I have neither the room nor the creativity to print—we are bombarded.

What if? What if these are not attacks by the enemy of our souls to frustrate us? Rather, what if these are chisel points? What if our response to these events reveals a rough edge that must be smoothed, and so the chisel strikes again and again.

Being living stones built into a spiritual house sounds like a grand and beautiful concept of unity, until you know what a stone goes through to make it into the building. This is why Peter urged his readers, "Let yourselves be built…" As a living stone allow yourself to be a useful stone. Submit to the chisel of God.

Homework this week: When you feel overwhelmed or frustrated, ask whether it is simple frustration, or whether it is God's chisel attempting to knock off some bumps that do not match the cornerstone. Pray: "Merciful God, give me the strength to endure the chisel. Give me wisdom to freely let go of those traits which do not match the cornerstone. Shape me into a usable stone to support and shelter your people. Amen"

Loud Praise

2010-06-06T12:19:00.000-05:00

"Praise the Lord. Praise, O servants of the Lord, praise the name of the Lord. Let the name of the Lord be praised, both now and forevermore. From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the Lord is to be praised."
—Psalm 113:1-3

I had the great honor this past week to attend a day of Annual Conference. It was such a privilege to interact with clergy and laity from all over the state. There was a strong sense of oneness as people from different walks of life, and different geographies came together and declared their unity of purpose—to make disciples.

The most exciting aspects of Annual Conference, from my perspective, were time times we gathered together in worship. Each time we joined our voices in song, or creed, or responsive reading, I was amazed at the sheer volume of it. Those "servants of the Lord" who had gathered together, were praising God with every bit of volume they could muster.

In the front of our United Methodist Hymnal (for you 9:40 folk, that’s the little red book in the pew), on page vii you will find John Wesley’s Directions For Singing. All of those rules are worth reading, and were published in this article last August. But as I participated in those worship services, three of those rules came to mind.

IV. Sing Lustily and with good courage. Beware of singing as if you were half dead, or half asleep; but lift up your voice with strength. Be no more afraid of your voice now, nor more ashamed of its being heard, than when you sung the songs of Satan.

V. Sing modestly. Do not bawl, so as to be heard above or distinct from the rest of the congregation, that you may not destroy the harmony; but strive to unite your voices together, so as to make one clear melodious sound.

VII. Above all sing spiritually. Have an eye to God in every word you sing. Aim at pleasing him more than yourself, or any other creature. In order to do this attend strictly to the sense of what you sing, and see that your heart is not carried away with the sound, but offered to God continually; so shall your singing be such as the Lord will approve here, and reward you when he cometh in the clouds of heaven.

I encourage you all to follow the example of our Annual Conference delegates and attendees as we gather together for worship this next Sunday. Emulate them by Lifting your voices with strength, striving to unite your voices together, so as to make one clear melodious sound. Have an eye to God in every word you sing. Aim at pleasing him more than yourself or any other creature, and see that your heart is offered to God continually.

Homework this week: Reflect on all the ways God has been faithful to you. Look at God's provision and care. Measure your own responses of worship to God. Does the level of our praise and worship match the level of God's faithfulness? Strive to make them equal.

Walk With Me Lord (Part III)

2010-05-30T10:44:00.000-05:00

"...let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."
—Hebrews 12:1, 2

Look before you leap! Great words of advice for those who may have a tendency to be impulsive. However, it is often used as an excuse for those who are overly analytical.

Last week we spoke about those whom we consider to be people who "know God." One of the qualities they share is that they do not talk themselves out of following the nudges of the Holy Spirit. It may appear to the casual observer that these people make decisions on a whim, but these that know God are truly looking before they leap.

What sets them apart from most of us, is the thing at which they look before leaping. We feel a nudge or a hint, a whisper of the Holy Spirit to our spirit; we hear one little phrase, and we try to fill in all the details. We can so quickly list all the reasons that thought or nudge is impractical. We feel the nudge to leap, but we quickly look at the surrounding circumstances and decide that leaping is a horrible idea. Perhaps tiptoeing would be better.

Those who know God, hear the nudge to leap, and they look to Jesus, the author and finisher of their faith; they look to the one who called them to leap, and it gives them confidence that what seems absurd is actually the safest thing to do. They know that the one who called them is able to keep them from falling.

This week’s homework has nothing to do with leaping. For some it may truly be too early to leap. The other thing that sets our heroes of the faith apart from many of us is that they have learned the difference between their whims and the Holy Spirit’s nudges.

It is only through spending time in intentional prayer and the reading of God’s word that we begin to recognize the difference between whims and the Spirit. Brother Lawrence, a 17th century monk, spoke of the practice of the presence of God. He found that even in his daily tasks of working in the kitchen, he could maintain an awareness of God’s presence. It is through recognizing God in every aspect of our lives, that we begin to recognize and trust the nudges of His Spirit. This is the first step in knowing God in the same manner as the heroes of our faith.

Homework this week is a little more challenging that most weeks. Find and read the book "The Practice of the Presence of God" by Brother Lawrence. There are several for under $10 on Amazon.com. It’s short, only 72 small pages. Once you read it, begin to practice being in God’s presence. As you begin to learn how to "look" for God, then leaping will become so much easier.

Walk With Me Lord (Part II)

2010-05-23T10:32:00.000-05:00

"I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you."
—Psalm 32:8

"There is no one, in all of history, who has known God any better than you can know him." Last week I introduced this quote and listed several people that I look to as examples of what it means to know God. This week it is your turn. Who do you think of as an example of someone who knew God. What is it about their lives that inspires you? Were they a great servant, or a great teacher? Did they die for the sake of Christ, like the disciples; or live a full life poured out as a sacrifice for those Christ loved, like Mother Teresa?

Once you have identified the qualities and actions that set them apart in your mind as Godly, ask yourself how they escaped an ordinary life? How did they achieve the extraordinary life of Faith that captured your attention?

As I have looked, over the years, at these giants in the faith, I have identified three things that they have done that sets them apart.

They let God's priorities set the agenda for their lives.
Maybe they heard a sermon, perhaps from Jesus himself; perhaps they witnessed an injustice and the Holy Spirit nudged their conscience. Whatever it was, they had a gut reaction, a spark that ignited in their heart; and most importantly, they didn't explain it away, they didn’t put it off, they didn't talk themselves out of it — they put action to passion and kindled that spark into full consuming flame.

They listened for God’s direction.
I have known many people who get an idea, or hear a general direction from God and then they set out to accomplish God’s call in the best way they know how. Those who succeed are not the ones who stop to ask for directions and then leave him in the dust, rather, they are the ones who follow God. They walk with an awareness of God’s presence, they become accustomed to the gentle voice of God, and at each fork in the road, they glance up, out of the corner of their eye to listen for what God might have to say.

They trusted God implicitly.
When they felt a nudge in their spirit, or heard from God in their conscience, they obeyed despite how illogical it may have seemed. They trusted that if God was guiding them in those ways, he would provide for their needs. They trusted (like Abraham with Isaac) that if God was calling them to do something absurd, that God would respond to absurd obedience with absurd generosity.

Homework this week: Decide what kind of life you would like to live this week—one that follows the expected pattern you’ve come to know, or one that stands out as an example to others as someone who knows God. Ask God to give you a glimpse of an extraordinary life. Lastly, listen for the nudges, and don’t ignore them or explain them away, put action to passion and watch what God will do.

Walk With Me Lord

2010-05-16T10:26:00.000-05:00

"But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. He will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and making it known to you. All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will take from what is mine and make it known to you."
—John 16:13-15

For those of you who do not know, I grew up in the home of a United Methodist Evangelist. My father travels around the United States visiting churches of all sizes. He still travels approximately two hundred days a year. Of all the sermons I’ve heard him preach, and of all the statements I’ve heard him make, one stands out in my mind. It is a phrase that I hope I will never forget.

"There is no one, in all of history, who has known God any better than you can know him."

I think of Adam and Eve who walked in the cool of the evening with the manifest presence of God. They walked with God.

I think of Abraham, who left his country and his extended family to follow God to a land that God would reveal when they got there. He trusted God explicitly!

I think of David, the great king, the man after God’s own heart. I think of his son Solomon, the wise king.

I think of John, the beloved disciple, who lay his head on Jesus at the last supper. John, who walked with Jesus everywhere for three years.

I think of Peter, who left everything to follow Jesus, not only for three years, but until his own death.

I think of the great theologians throughout the ages, I think of the missionaries who have given it all to serve Christ. I think of those who have suffered greatly, or taken great risks for the sake of Christ. I think of all these people and ask, "How? How is it that I can know God like these people, many of whom walked with him, or saw his physical or manifest presence?"
We can know him because we were not left as orphans. God, who walked in the cool of the day and Jesus who walked with his disciples, have both sent us the Spirit of Truth, the Holy Spirit, who will walk with us today.

Homework this week: Pray, "Heavenly Father, break through my preconceptions, and reveal the Holy Spirit to me, showing me how you want to walk with me today."

Ebenezer

2010-05-09T10:22:00.000-05:00

"Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen. He named it Ebenezer, saying, 'Thus far has the LORD helped us.'"
—1 Samuel 7:12

Long before Scrooge came on the scene, Ebenezer was around. Ebenezer is a word that means “Stone of Help.” Ebenezer was a large stone that Samuel set up to serve as a reminder to the people of God that it was the Lord who had brought them success. Whenever they walked by that stone, they would remember that they lived in peace and safety because of God’s action in their lives.

On several occasions in my life, God has done something significant, and I have said to myself, “This is something I will never forget!” But day moves on to day, year on to year, and inevitably the significance of that day or event slips away. I may still enjoy the benefits of God’s action that day, but often God is forgotten.

Samuel understood this, and so he selected something lasting, in his case, a stone. Then he made a memory, a ceremony to surround that stone. Thus far, to this point, God has helped us. If you ever feel like God has abandoned you, look back to this stone and know that God is our helper when we call out to him.

At Faith we take the opportunity several times each year to set up Ebenezers for our kids and for ourselves. From 4th grade Bibles, to blessing the drivers, to mission commissionings, to Senior Sunday, these “milestones” serve as Ebenezers for our children, youth and adults. These simple ceremonies are designed to create lasting memories of God’s help in our lives, so that we may look back at them and remember God’s faithfulness to us.

Homework this week: Come support our Seniors this Sunday and contribute to the establishment of their Ebenezer. Remember God’s action in your life, and find ways to create Ebenezers as reminders of God’s faithfulness. Consider journaling as a way of writing and remembering God’s involvement in your life.

Songs of the Spirit

2010-05-02T10:16:00.000-05:00

"All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; theyonly saw them and welcomed them from a distance. And they admitted that they were aliens and strangers on earth."
—Hebrews 11:13

The past few months I have immersed myself in the songs produced by the slavery of a people. Many of these people were enslaved by those who at the very least called themselves Christian. In those circumstances, it would be very easy, and even excusable, for those slaves to shun Christianity, and look with mistrust to God.

Yet these songs are filled with hope and trust in God. They serve as examples for us, that even in the midst of oppression and slavery, one can trust in God and worship him for his faithfulness. They looked back in scripture and saw that God had delivered a people from slavery before, and they trusted that he would again.

Let us learn from those who have gone before us. Those who had nothing can teach us everything! Our true treasure, like theirs, lies in the Kingdom of Heaven! We are but strangers and aliens here on earth, and all the hardships and trials are temporary.

Like A Child

2010-04-25T10:07:00.000-05:00

"He said to them, 'Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.' And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them."
—Mark 10:14-16

Some of Jesus’ words require an extra step to understand. When he speaks of the kingdom of God like a farmer, or shepherd, we have to first understand those agricultural pictures before we grasp what he was saying. The above statement, however, does not.

Having just returned from Guatemala, one thing I learned from that trip is this: Children are children, no matter where you find them. Over time our culture shapes us into different people, but children have not yet been fully shaped by the culture. In children we see that we are all the same!

I had the great privilege of spending a great deal of time around the children of Guatemala. They are filled with joy and are not burdened by their living conditions. They are eager to participate, eager to play, and are not timid about asking for anything. They are courageous. They endure pain that is for their good (I witnessed one little girl in surgery not move a muscle or whine or cry out in pain. Only when it was finished did I notice quiet tears on her cheeks). The kingdom of God belongs to such as these.

Homework this week: Pray for the children of Guatemala, and America. May they retain those qualities that please God. Pray that we may remember what it means to be a child. That we would recapture those attitudes and behaviors that please God—Boldness, courage, joy, love, and kindness. Ask God to reveal the ways he wants you to receive the kingdom of God like a little child.

Commission (Part II)

2010-04-18T10:05:00.000-05:00

"Finally, brothers, pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you."
—1 Thessalonians 3:1

Pray for the Guatemala Mission team. Pray for the people they will encounter in the clinics, and in the streets. Pray that God would direct their steps. Realize that you are also in mission. Realize that the God who can direct their steps in Guatemala will also direct yours. Pray for the people you will encounter, and for the eyes to see those God has for you to bless.

Commission

2010-04-11T10:01:00.000-05:00

"Finally, brothers, pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you."
—1 Thessalonians 3:1

Each year, we at Faith participate in commissioning several mission teams. We declare that those who go out from us in mission are “Ambassadors” not only of God’s Kingdom, but also of the Faith family.

When I tell friends and colleagues at other churches about our missions involvement, they are consistently astonished, both at the number of trips we take, and the number of participants on those trips.

After participating in so many commissionings, I thought I had a pretty good idea of what to expect this past Sunday as you commissioned the Guatemala trip. I have been looking forward to this trip for many months; but as you commissioned us, the trip became real. I felt a deep joy swell over me, both that I had the opportunity to go, and that the church, my church, was praying for me and sending me out.

I don’t know that I will ever look at these mission commissionings in the same way. In many ways they are “co-missionings,” because those that lift the team up in prayer are partners in all their work.

Homework this week: Pray for the people we will encounter in Guatemala, that God would meet them where they are. That the Holy Spirit would begin drawing them to God. That they would be made aware of their need for our merciful and gracious God. Pray also that God would give us the words to say, and the tasks to do, that God’s love would be displayed.

Hymns on the Lord's Supper

2010-03-29T17:01:00.001-05:00

Sing For Joy!
This week's song is
HYMN 21
by Charles Wesley
in the collection "Hymns on the Lord's Supper"

Hymn XXI.

1 God of unexampled grace,
    Redeemer of mankind,
Matter of eternal praise
    We in thy Passion find:
Still our choicest strains we bring,
    Still the joyful theme pursue,
Thee the friend of sinners sing
    Whose love is ever new.

2 Endless scenes of wonder rise
    With that mysterious tree,
Crucified before our eyes
    Where we our Maker see:
Jesus, Lord, what hast thou done!
    Publish we the death divine,
Stop, and gaze, and fall, and own
    Was never love like thine!

3 Never love nor sorrow was
    Like that my Jesus show’d;
See him stretch’d on yonder cross
    And crush’d beneath our load!
Now discern the deity,
    Now his heavenly birth declare!
Faith cries out ’Tis he, ’tis he,
    My God that suffers there!

4 Jesus drinks the bitter cup;
    The wine-press treads alone,
Tears the graves and mountains up
    By his expiring groan:
Lo! The powers of heaven he shakes;
    Nature in convulsions lies,
Earth’s profoundest centre quakes,
    The great Jehovah dies!

5 Dies the glorious cause of all,
    The true eternal Pan,
Falls to raise us from our fall,
    To ransom sinful man:
Well may Sol withdraw his light,
    With the sufferer sympathize,
Leave the world in sudden night,
    While his Creator dies.

6 Well may heaven be cloath’d with black
    And solemn sackcloath wear,
Jesu’s agony partake
    The hour of darkness share:
Mourn th’ astonish’d10 hosts above,
    Silence saddens all the skies,
Kindler of seraphick love
    The God of angels dies.

7 O my God, he dies for me,
    I feel the mortal smart!
See him hanging on the tree—
    A sight that breaks my heart!
O that all to thee might turn!
    Sinners, ye may love him too,
Look on him ye pierc’d, and mourn
    For one who bled for you.

8 Weep o’er your desire and hope
    With tears of humblest love;
Sing, for Jesus is gone up,
    And reigns enthron’d above!
Lives our head, to die no more:
    Power is all to Jesus given,
Worship’d as he was before
    Th’ immortal King of heaven.

9 Lord, we bless thee for thy grace,
    And truth which never fail,
Hastning to behold thy face
    Without a dimming veil:
We shall see our heavenly King,
    All thy glorious love proclaim,
Help the angel-quires to sing
    Our dear triumphant Lamb.

The Power of a Memory

2010-03-22T10:03:00.000-05:00

“For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, "This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me." In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me."
—1 Corinthians 11:23-25

Has it ever happened to you? You walk into a room and suddenly the sight, smell, or feel of that room transports you thousands of miles to your grandmother’s house? In an instant you are 10 again. It is so real that you could almost walk to the kitchen and grab a cookie. What you have just experienced is the power of a memory.

Our brains catalog, not just the sequence of events, but the sounds, sights, smells, tastes and touches of those events and places as well. And every time we come into contact with those senses again, our brain, quick as lightning, calls out the full memory of the last time (or first time) we experienced it.

Jesus, having had all things created through him (John 1:3) understood this when he instituted communion at the last supper. On the night before his crucifixion and atoning sacrifice, Jesus established a memory. Take this bread, feel it, smell it, hear the sound as it breaks, taste it; and every time you do, remember me. Remember this night, and what I am about to do for you. Drink this wine. Hear it slosh in the cup, see the deep crimson color, feel the smoothness of the cup, taste the bittersweet, and every time you do, remember me.

We are quickly approaching Holy Week, the time that we set apart each year to remember, and walk in the events that happened so long ago. It is the time when we remember our own exodus out of bondage to sin. I strongly encourage you to come to the church on Maundy Thursday*, April 1st at 6:00 p.m. and Good Friday at 7:00 p.m. when we as a congregation walk through the sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and touches of the Last Supper and the Crucifixion. Then rejoice with us Easter Sunday Morning as we celebrate the resurrection

*Maundy Thursday dinner is $5 per person, with a $20 family max. Call the Church office make your reservations. Childcare is available both nights.

If I Had a Cross

2010-03-14T23:56:00.000-05:00

“Then he said to them all, ‘If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.’”
—Luke 9:23

A couple of weeks ago, during staff devotion, we were reflecting on the Gospel accounts of Jesus’ weeks leading up to Good Friday. As we pointed out his sense of urgency to convey his message, and his determination to reach Jerusalem, Rev. Erma Pregler made a comment that has followed me throughout my Lenten journey. “I wonder,” she said, “how my life would be different if I had a cross in my future.”

As the words left her lips, a thousand possibilities entered my head. Would I be more like Christ? Would I elevate people over tasks? Would I listen more intently, or express God’s love more overtly? How would my life be different if I had a cross in my future.

This, I believe, is one of the primary purposes of Lent. Not only to reflect on the Cross of Christ, but also to reflect on the Cross that Christ bids us bear. Because, for those of us who call ourselves Jesus’ disciples the truth is, we do have a cross in our future.

Homework this week: Meditate on, and memorize, Luke 9:23. Ask the question, “How will my life be different since I have a cross in my future?”

Enter Here

2010-03-07T10:20:00.000-06:00

“Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.” For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.
—Psalm100:4-5

At Wal-Mart the doors are clearly labeled “IN” and “OUT,” however, I rarely pay attention. It’s not on purpose, I just take the path of least resistance. The doors always open for me, regardless of the side I choose. Lately however, we’ve been shopping at Target, and Target is serious about those signs. I can stand in front of that “OUT” door all day long, and the door will not open for me.

There have been times in my life that when I would come to church it felt as though I were standing in front of a door that just would not open. My prayers, it seemed, bounced off the ceiling, and an automatic sliding door stood between me and the presence of God; opening for others, but not for me.

It would be easy to begin to think that the invisible barrier was normal, and that there was no way to really experience the presence of God. But to believe that would be akin to going to the store for our regular shopping trip, getting our cart from the parking lot, and heading up to the “OUT” door to wait.

We go to the store to buy the food and other supplies we need to live. How foolish to think that they would want us to stay outside, separated from those things we need. We come to church for relationship with one another and with God. What a tragedy it would be if we believed that we could not get close to God, or that he did not want to be close to us.

What then, is the key? Well, at the store, the key is using the right door. I think that is true at church too. What then, is the right door? According to the Psalmist, it is thanksgiving and praise. According to the Apostle Paul, it’s rejoicing in God! (Phil 4:4-20) But what does that mean for those who are in the midst of suffering? “Rejoice in the Lord always, again I say, ‘Rejoice.’” God is worthy of our praise, even when are in the midst of trial. There is always something to be thankful for; even if it is just that God has a history of comforting the afflicted and delivering the captive.

Homework this week. Throughout the week, and again on Sunday morning, practice entering the presence of God in joy. Like a small child at a store, observe and enjoy the way the doors fly open for you when you approach with joy.

Holy To The Lord

2010-03-01T08:54:00.001-06:00

“You have declared this day that the Lord is your God and that you will walk in his ways...And the Lord has declared this day that you are his people, his treasured possession...He has declared that you will be a people holy to the Lord your God, as he promised.”
—Deuteronomy 26:17-19

You’ve heard it, and if you are like me, you may have cringed a little bit. 1 Peter 1:15 says, "But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do." I am reminded of God’s perfection and righteousness; I think of God’s goodness and unconditional love, and know that I do not match up. In this comparison, anyone would feel a little spiritually inadequate.

But what if “Holy” were less of a spiritual term, and more of a practical one? What if it were possible, even probable that we could all achieve holiness? The word “Holy” simply means that something is “set apart.”

We often speak about a holy or sacred place, and have an understanding that certain things are not allowed there because of its holiness. But I believe that holiness is a concept whose meaning has been reversed.

The holiness of the sanctuary does not dictate that we don’t house other activities there. Rather, our decision to set it apart for the worship of God and the equipping of the saints dictates the holiness of the sanctuary. The holiness of the altar does not preclude us from setting papers, drinks or food on the altar. Rather, it is our decision to set apart the altar for the worship of God that dictates the holiness of the altar.

Our holiness does not, nor can it ever dictate our decisions. Our decisions, on the other hand, will always determine our holiness.

Homework this week: Meditate on the scripture “But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do.“ Ask the questions, “How am I set apart for God in my conversations, relationships, finances, actions, and attitudes? Pray that God would reveal the ways he wants you to set yourself apart to him, and for the strength to do so. Decide specific ways you can set yourself apart as Holy to the Lord this week.

Why Not Sunday?

2010-02-21T13:47:00.000-06:00

"If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."
—2 Corinthians 5:17

If you were to pull out a calendar and count, you would discover that there are 46 days between Ash Wednesday and Easter Sunday. Yet we talk about the 40 days of lent. The reason for this is simple. We do not count Sundays as part of Lent. This begs the question, why do we not observe the Lenten fast on Sundays? Because of the Eighth Day.

In six days, according to the book of Genesis, God created all that was. God gave instructions to the Israelites that they also should work for six days, but set the seventh day apart for God. This was the origins of the seven-day week.

Jesus was crucified on Friday, “rested” in the grave on Saturday (the Sabbath), and was resurrected on what some ancient theologians call “the eighth day of creation;” for it was in that resurrection that all things were created anew. Through that resurrection on Sunday, we, who are in Christ, have become new creatures! All that was old has passed away! BEHOLD! The new is come.

Just as the seven-day week was as a reminder of the initial creation with a “Sabbath day” observed on Saturday, so too, we now celebrate the new creation of the resurrection by observing "The Lord’s Day" on the eighth day, Sunday.

That is only part of the answer, however. Lent is a solemn and holy season, a time for repentance, self-examination, and self-denial. But Sunday is a weekly observance of the resurrection, it is meant to be a time of rejoicing in Christ’s victory, and renewing our hope and faith in God.

It is easy to get tunnel vision during a season of introspection. When we begin to focus on our sinfulness, sometimes it is all we can see. Even as we focus on repentance and humility, remember that we are an Easter people, and everything we do is shaped by the resurrection.

Homework this week: Continue to observe the Lenten fast (of whatever you gave up for Lent). But do not get consumed by the heaviness of the meditation. Remember to celebrate the resurrection, and your re-creation as a new creature in Christ.

Denied!

2010-02-15T21:48:00.000-06:00

“Then he said to them all, ‘If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.’”
—Luke 9:23

This Wednesday is the first day in the season of Lent. These forty days between Ash Wednesday and Easter (excluding Sundays) are traditionally a time of repentance and re-commitment in preparation for the joy of Easter Sunday.

For centuries, Lent has been a time to begin, or re-begin the practice of denying oneself daily to better become a disciple of Jesus. Lately, however, it seems to be a misunderstood practice often equated with New Years resolutions.

The practice of giving something up for the forty days of Lent is not about “self-betterment” but rather, “self-denial.” It is derived from the Biblical example of the forty day fast. Moses, Elijah, and Jesus all had a time when they fasted forty days in order to draw nearer to God. For Moses it was before he received the Law, for Elijah before he heard the still small voice, and for Jesus before he began his public ministry.

As we look at these examples there are three things to note.

What they gave up was essential, and not simply a convenience.
Their self-denial was coupled with intense seeking after God’s will.
What they received as a result was worth the self-denial.

Certainly there are times when giving up a strong desire (Chocolate) can help you focus on God each time that desire arises. But I challenge you this Lenten season to consider giving up something essential, maybe lunch, and coupling that denial with seeking after God’s will.

Homework this week: Attend Ash Wednesday service. Consider in what way you might deny yourself and take up your cross this Lenten season in order to follow Christ.

If you are considering a full food fast, ask yourself, “do I feel that God is calling me to a fast?” If there is any doubt, don’t pursue it. It is only through God’s call and empowerment that a 40 day fast is possible or beneficial. Remember, each person in scripture who completed a 40 day fast, only did so once in their lives.

Undercover Boss

2010-02-07T16:23:00.000-06:00

“Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom the master has put in charge of the servants in his household to give them their food at the proper time? It will be good for that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns. I tell you the truth, he will put him in charge of all his possessions.” —Matthew 24:45-57

Last night, following Superbowl XLIV (44), Kristin and I sat down to watch a new show called “Undercover Boss.” Last night, they showed the President and COO of WasteManagement take seven days and seven entry level jobs in his own company, under the auspices of a small budget documentary following a construction worker who just moved into town.

As he moved incognito through his company, he took notice of some extraordinary workers who embodied the values of the company, and gave the company a wonderful human face. He also took note of those managers who implemented his policies in ways that he never intended. At the end of those seven days, he called for all of the employees he had encountered and had them brought into corporate headquarters. There he revealed himself as the president of the company and gave them their due—to some promotions, to others reprimands.

While it may seem to be just an entertaining show, for us as Christians, the plot should be a familiar one. Jesus told his disciples on several occasions, through many different parables, that the day would come when our CEO would come suddenly and evaluate our work for the kingdom.

Will we be prepared when our boss returns? Will he find us faithfully embodying the values of the Kingdom? Will he see that we have put a wonderful human face on the Church? Or will he find that we have taken his policies and procedures, only to twist them to our own benefit?

Homework this week: Examine your life using the phrase, “Changing the world by sharing God’s love, one person at a time.” Ask the question, “How am I personally implementing the company policy to “Love one another?” Pray that God would daily reveal ways that you can embody God’s love to those you personally encounter.

The Essential Question

2010-01-31T16:11:00.000-06:00

"And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus." —Philippians 4:19

I have been thinking about budgets lately. I have defined financial goals, and an solid budget. But a few things aren't meshing between the two. I've been praying about it quite a bit, and God has given me direction, as he so often does, in the form of a question, "What is essential?"

The answers to that question have been springing out all week. My Dr. Pepper/Starbucks habits are not essential. The extra snacks I pick up at the grocery store...not essential. That piece of computer hardware I’ve been eyeing... nope, not essential. Like wheat from chaff, my needs and wants are being tossed about and shaken to see which are left standing.

But I was sadly mistaken if I thought that God’s question to me would be limited to answering only the question I asked. No, that question has burrowed ever deeper in my soul, moving on to other budgets.

What is essential in my use of time? How many hours are ticked away on hobbies or interests? Are there any other goals or desires that those hobbies and interests are robbing?

It has been a revealing week, and I pray for God’s strength to reorganize. But I sit here, surveying the non-essentials strewn across the battlefield of my mind, and I am peaceful. These thoughts, which would have left me tied up in knots if I had asked without the prompting from the Spirit of God, have left me hopeful for the change that only essentials can bring.

Someone once told me, “I can tell you everything about what someone believes is important by looking at two things: Their checkbook, and their calendar.” More than our statements of belief, our actions and priorities will tell the truth about our values.

Homework this week: Prayerfully, and with an open mind, ask God to reveal those things that are non-essential in your life. Consider how you might adjust your priorities to match the priorities of God.

Practice Makes Permanent

2010-01-24T16:07:00.000-06:00

"Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." —Romans 12:2

As an old choir director of mine would often say, "Practice makes permanent." While he was referring to diction and tone, I find that it is true in other areas as well. I have often found that when I practice a song on either piano or guitar, I reach a point of "muscle memory" where I no longer have to think about playing it, but rather, let my fingers remember where they are supposed to go. I have heard the same is true in sports, construction, and virtually any other repetitive physical activity.

The apostle Paul recognized that this concept of "muscle memory" extends into all areas of our lives. "Emotional memory" occurs whenever we respond emotionally to a situation based on previous experiences rather than the reality of present circumstances. "Behavioral memory," more commonly referred to as "habits," are the result of practicing an activity to the point where we no longer have to think about behaving a certain way, it will come naturally. You may be thinking of other ways that "muscle memory" appears in your life.

Simply stated, we as a people are regulated by the patterns and habits we practice. This can be either a blessing or a curse, depending on the patterns we put into practice.

If you have ever tried to break a habit, you know just how permanent these patterns can be. Don’t be discouraged! We see in the book of Romans that God wants us to use the inherent power of patterns to strengthen our spiritual life, and if we ask, he will give us all the strength we need through the power of his Holy Spirit at work
within us.

Homework this week: Identify the patterns in your life that run contrary to God’s will. Identify the patterns you will need to establish in their place. Ask the Holy Spirit to give you strength and direction to transform your life.

Shaken by the Love of God

2010-01-17T15:56:00.000-06:00

"'Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,' says the Lord, who has compassion on you." —Isaiah 54:10

On Tuesday the earth could take it no more. Two opposing forces stressed and strained against one another until one gave way with a destructive lurch. In one moment the destruction that took years, decades, and perhaps centuries to build was released upon the people of Haiti.

As we watch it unfold on the television, as cable networks and radio stations cover the aftermath, it is tempting to turn away. After all, there are pressing matters to attend to in our own back yard. I encourage you, however, to fix your attention on the tragedy. Gaze into the eyes of those who have lost everything. Hear the cry of the child beneath the rubble. And prepare yourself for the aftershocks.

Can you feel the shifting foundations? If you will listen and look, if you will see the people of Haiti now in their need, then God will shake your world too. God is calling out in a loud voice to all who will listen. God is calling out for people to hear his voice and unleash the force of his love to a hurting people.

Just as the force of the earth shaking brought about destruction and death to the people of Haiti, so too the force of our Hearts shaking through the mercy of God can bring about life, healing and hope.

As Bono, from the band U2, recently said,

Whatever thoughts we have about God, who He is, most will agree that God has a special place for the poor. The poor are where God lives. God is in the slums, in the cardboard boxes where the poor play house. God is where the opportunity is lost and lives are shattered. God is with the mother who has infected her child with a virus that will take both their lives. God is under the rubble in the cries we hear during wartime. God, my friends, is with the poor. And God is with us if we are with them. This is not a burden, this is an adventure. Don’t let anyone tell you it cannot be done.

Homework this week: Find a way, any way to help the people of Haiti. Make a health kit for UMCOR, donate money to a reputable charity, and fall to your knees to pray that God would meet the needs of those effected by this tragedy.

Starting Over

2010-01-10T15:49:00.000-06:00

"My eyes will watch over them for their good, and I will bring them back to this land. I will build them up and not tear them down; I will plant them and not uproot them. I will give them a heart to know me, that I am the LORD. They will be my people, and I will be their God, for they will return to me with all their heart." —Jeremiah 24:6-7

The new year arrived, bringing new calendars,new hopes, new goals and a fresh start along with it. Perhaps it is because our lives are so tied to the calendar, perhaps it is because we are tied to the seasons, but whatever the reason, we instinctively know that the new year is the time to change. We could change at any time during the year, but we believe that the new year will give us the boost we need to succeed.

The problem with New Year’s Resolutions is that they most often only address behaviors with which we find fault. “I’ll work out more, I’ll spend more time with my family, I’ll keep my cool in Tulsa traffic.” While the changed behaviors are often positive changes, they are only symptoms and not the sickness, the effects and not the causes. We need to take an honest look at where we are, looking past the outward behaviors we want to change and into the core of our heart. Sometimes we need to forget the cosmetic changes, and instead, start over.

Start over? What a frightening prospect. I want to change, but I only want to change my last action, my last decision. But in order to really change we have to start over.

What was the first step of the journey that brought you to the behavior you want to change? What was the first thought that made you take that step? What was the circumstance that helped shape that thought? Until you understand the journey that created the undesirable behavior, you cannot really change it.

I find great comfort in the scripture above. The people of Israel are on their way into exile, but God speaks such love and hope over them. Here he reiterates what he has spoken throughout scripture. "They will be my people, and I will be their God." Did you know that this sums up the desire of God throughout history? God desires to be in relationship with his people—from Adam and Eve, to the Children of Israel, to you. How does that have anything to do with my new year’s resolutions? Simply this, in God is all our hope for change. It is when we daily surrender to God that first step, that first thought, and ask him to free us from that path and set a new path before us, that we find the power to change.

Homework this week: Think about your New Year’s resolutions. Ask God, "How did I get here?" Listen for God to reveal that first step, and first thought. Surrender those to God and ask for God to walk with you on the new journey toward change.

This Time

2010-01-03T15:35:00.000-06:00

“For you have heard my vows, O God; you have given me the heritage of those who fear your name.” —Psalm 61:5

“It’s a new year and I am resolute! I get this way about once a year. I take a look in the mirror and see what effect the Christmas candies have had on my figure, and I make a decision: I am going to the gym. This year I’m even signing a contract as added incentive. I’ll have to pay whether or not I go. That’ll help me be more on top of it, right?”

The above statement was made in the minds of millions, just a few days ago. You and I, when we look at the resolutions made by others, turn our heads to the side and laugh a little. We feel a little sympathy for the naivety of the one making the resolution, and prepare to comfort them when they break it. We know that it won’t last. After all, the sit-com writers don’t lie. The comedians of our nation have spoken, and the stereotypes are firmly established. We all know that resolutions
don’t last.

And yet...

And yet, when the end of the year rolls around, we are compelled to examine our lives. We take a good look at how we lived out our lives on our last trip around the sun, and look to see what might be improved for our next trip. We “know” that resolutions don’t work, but the Times Square ball drops, and we find ourselves making some decision; maybe a small one to get things started, or maybe a jump-into-the-deep-end-of-the-pool kind of resolution, because this time it will be different.

This time. You may have fallen short of your goal every previous try, but this time will be different. This time you are more resolved! This time the goal is more important. This time the goal is reachable. And deep in your soul, there is a little bit of desperation praying a quiet prayer, “Lord, let it be different this time.”

This conversation may sound a little funny for this article. I purposefully framed this discussion of resolutions in fitness for the humor it produces. But there are resolutions that are being made that are anything but funny.

This year, I will be more loving toward my spouse.
This year I will be more kind toward my children.
This year I will spend more time reading my Bible.
This year I will spend more time in prayer.
This year I will give of myself to others.
This year I will give more to God’s kingdom.

It is only when our resolutions are combined with community and accountability that we will find the fulfillment and success we seek.

Homework this week: Examine the resolutions you made this year. Make sure they are measurable (I will read my Bible 30 min/day vs. I will read my Bible more). Go to someone whom you trust and from whom you can receive constructive criticism, and share your resolutions with them. Their encouragement and accountability together with your resolve and desire to improve will make this time different.

Gratitude

2009-12-13T15:31:00.000-06:00

For twenty-seven years, Afton Travis has served each of us at Faith. For twenty-seven years she has given her time, her talents, and truly, her very self to us. And we are all blessed by her presence.

By now you have no doubt read the first page, and seen that after twenty-seven years, and after a great deal of thought, many prayers, and I’m sure a fair bit of
deliberation, Afton has decided to retire. I am extremely grateful for her! She has been an incredible blessing to me, and to us all.

When I think of Afton’s twenty-seven years at Faith, I am reminded of the scene in the classic movie The Fiddler on the Roof, where the main character asks his wife if
she loves him. She responds with a list of the ways she has served him, and a list of her commitment to him over a period of twenty-five years, and asks, “If that’s
not love what is?” I love this picture, and see it displayed through Afton’s life.

For twenty-seven years she has been there to help us worship through accompanying the hymns we sing, through providing meditative and joyful music for preludes, offertories and postludes, and through setting the mood for our worship through her skill playing the organ. She has loved this church for twenty-seven years. Let us aspire to follow her example.

Homework this week: Mark January 10 on your calendar. We will be honoring Afton’s service in all three services that day. Let’s “pull out all the stops” to thank her for her service to Faith. Find a creative or tangible or lasting way to thank her. Consider how you might follow her example, and where you might serve.

Already? Not Yet!

2009-12-06T22:37:00.000-06:00

advent - n.

The coming or arrival, especially one which is awaited.

Advent - n
1. The four Sundays leading up to Christmas.
2. The coming of Jesus at the Incarnation.
3. The second coming of Jesus.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language & Collins English Dictionary

There is a phrase that I have come to love and identify with. It's a phrase I first heard in seminary, but have since heard in several other places. It's a phrase that speaks of our place in the story of God’s salvation, the status of the Kingdom of God and the condition of our faith. They are "already and not yet."

For many, the season of Advent has been relegated to "the season we sing Christmas carols" or perhaps a season of preparation for Christmas. While these actions occur during Advent, they are not the primary purpose of the season. It is my belief that the primary purpose of Advent is to wait for God.

Our culture doesn't like to wait for anything. The idea of delayed gratification has been obliterated from our cultural lexicon. We nuke dinner, shop online, use credit rather than wait for payday, and use pay-per-view to watch movies when we want to see them! We want what we want, when we want it! But when we don’t have to wait for anything else, it becomes harder to wait for God.

During the season of Advent, we take a few deep breaths and remind ourselves what it means to wait. We look at the story of the Israelites waiting for their Messiah as a way to connect and identify with waiting. We too are waiting for the coming of Messiah. Jesus has already come to save us from our sin, and give us hope and joy for life, but we wait for Him to return in victory, breaking the curse that has been over creation since Adam and Eve fell away from God.

We are a people between salvations. We have already experienced freedom from sin and death because of Jesus, but we wait for that which is not yet: the Kingdom of God manifest on earth. We wait for the day that wars will cease, that oppression and prejudice are overturned, that famine and disease disappear. For this, we must wait. But we can actively wait. We wait, but still address the issues as God’s ambassadors, trying to lessen their negative impact. We wait, but while we wait, we work and we pray, "O come, O come, Emmanuel."

Homework this week: Wait.

Advent Art

2009-11-29T22:34:00.000-06:00

Art is a collaboration between God and the artist, and the less the artist does the better. ~André Gide

The season of Advent, the four Sundays leading up to Christmas, is a time that we join with Christian tradition and focus on the Story of God’s salvation. This year’s theme for Advent is "Rescue from Chaos." During these four weeks:

we remember how our spiritual ancestors waited with Hope for salvation from God;

we remember God’s Love for us shown in Jesus Christ;

we remember with Joy our own salvation through Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection;

and we remember that we too are waiting for the final redemption of the world, by which God’s reign of Peace will be established.

If you are a poet, painter, sculptor or other artist, meditate on the above themes, and let your thoughts flow out into your preferred art medium.

With Thanksgiving

2009-11-15T22:30:00.000-06:00

"Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?"
—Matthew 6:27

It is difficult to watch the news these days. Disease, war, and economic famine dominate the headlines. It is easy for us to become overwhelmed and worried about the future. Every commercial on TV reminds us that Christmas is right around the corner. But when we think of Christmas, we may think of the presents left to buy, and the money that isn’t there. How quickly that season of joy can turn to despair.

Though Wal-Mart and Target may have forgotten about it, we do still have a holiday before Christmas. It is one that, I believe, is essential in our Christian life—Thanksgiving. Even in what may seem like our darkest days, we still have much to be thankful for. The whole of Christian worship is encompassed by God’s own worth and holiness, and our thankfulness. This holiday season, let us follow the words of Paul in Philippians 4:6, where he instructed us, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."

Homework this week: Make a list of things that God has given you for which you are grateful. Make a list of the things that are weighing heavily on you. Then in prayer with thanksgiving make your requests known to God.

Extra Credit: Read the short but powerful book by Merlin R. Carothers entitled, Prison to Praise.

Heavenly Worship

2009-11-08T22:24:00.000-06:00

"Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come. You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being."
—Revelation 4:8b,11

Lately, I have been struck by the differences between earthly worship and heavenly worship. For those of us who live on this side of the vale, we have to stir ourselves up in worship. We coax our hearts out to worship by reciting what God has done or is doing for us. This was true all throughout the psalms, and it is true for us today. "He set my feet upon a rock." "He forgives all my sin and heals all my diseases."

Those, however, who sit in the very presence of God, who witness, and perhaps understand, the fullness of the Trinity, worship God primarily for who He is. The only time I have found heavenly worship focusing on an action is concerning the cross. "Worthy is the Lamb who was slain." Rather, in heavenly worship I see words like Holy, and Worthy. In Heaven God is worshipped because He is "other," He is "set apart." God is worshipped because His worth is above any other.

We who live on earth, and who must settle for fleeting glimpses of the Glory of God, still need the reminders of God’s mighty acts. And to worship Him for His actions is right and appropriate. But I think it may be a good thing to start practicing for Heaven.

Homework this week: Meditate on the words Holy and Worthy.

Love Expressed

2009-11-01T22:20:00.000-06:00

There is a feeling I get when I hold my daughter in my arms. It is as though I can physically feel my own affection for her. Something in my chest reaches out beyond my own skeletal frame and binds itself to her. It is a warm and satisfying feeling. I am overwhelmed with love for her. This unquenchable love is just a taste of what our good Father God feels for us. It was because of that love he sent Jesus to die for us.

Similarly, when I come home from work, before I even enter the house, my son hears the garage door opening and runs through the house to the back door shouting “Daddy, Daddy, Daddy!” When I enter, he is there happy to be in my presence. I receive and return that affection. I believe that our Father God longs for our times of corporate worship to be filled with that kind of affection.

We previously defined worship as "ascribing worth" to someone or something. Let's tweak that traditional definition just a little. One of the best definitions of worship I’ve ever heard is this: "love expressed." Our songs, rites, sermons, and classes are not offered to satisfy personal tastes. We do not work in mission locally, nationally and internationally to help us feel good about ourselves, or even because it’s a good cause that we need to get behind. We do not study scripture so that we may be more knowledgeable than others. We sing our songs, work in mission, study scripture, and participate in corporate worship as an act of affection to our God! We once were helpless in our sin, but while we were still sinners, Christ died for us!

We are the children of God by adoption. What will we do when we hear the garage door opening? Will we dutifully perform our chores and tasks? Will we try to impress him so he will be proud of our accomplishments? Or will we run through the house to get to the door before he does that we might express our affection to the one who gave everything to be with us?

Homework this week: All throughout the week, but specifically on Saturday evening, contemplate what it means to be a child of God. Contemplate how you have expressed your love to God in the past week. Prepare your heart for corporate worship on Sunday.

Adopted: Part II—Abba & Provider

2009-10-25T22:11:00.000-05:00

"For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received a spirit of adoption. When we cry, 'Abba! Father!' it is that very Spirit bearing witness with our spirit that we are children of God."
—Romans 8:14-16

Do you remember the invincible days of youth? There was courage (and energy) to climb trees, run headlong down steep hills, and hang upside-down from the monkey bars. We weren’t afraid of the bumps and bruises, perhaps because we couldn’t see their inevitability. For the most part, we were carefree. Reality, however, sank in at some point. Now that we are paying the bills we worry about where our next meal is coming from. When we were kids, we just showed up to the table, but now we may spend hours or days wondering where it will all come from.

According to the passage above, and many others in scripture, God is not looking for slaves, but rather he is looking for Children. We have received from God a spirit of adoption that allows us to call God by a name that is both intimate and familiar in nature, "Abba." In a literal translation, Abba means Dada. It’s the first word for Daddy that middle-eastern babies learn. God wants to be, not just father, but also dada.

When God leads us down an unfamiliar path, we can trust that he is acting out of a pure fatherly love. When God asks us to jump, it isn’t as a drill sergeant to whom we reply “how high, Sir?” When God asks us to jump, it’s as a caring parent waiting in the pool with arms wide to receive us.

For me, this realization came during a nine month period of unemployment in 2003. It took nine months for me to come to understand that God, and not any job, was my provision. I learned that while God may use them to provide for me, no pay check or employer was going to take care of my needs.

Essentially, I recaptured the invincible days of youth. When we learn that our provision comes from God alone, submitting to his direction for our lives becomes an easy task. When we learn to see God as compassionate Father, we can again run headlong down steep hills and hang upside-down from the monkey bars, for nothing can touch us!

I want to leave you this week with a statement that struck me as important when I was walking through unemployment. "God's delays are not his denials."

Homework this week: ask God to help you see him as he is — Gracious and compassionate Abba.

Adopted: Part I - Getting To Know You

2009-10-18T22:07:00.000-05:00

"For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received a spirit of adoption. When we cry, 'Abba! Father!' it is that very Spirit bearing witness with our spirit that we are children of God."
—Romans 8:14-16

We have heard that God desires relationship with us. I have found that it can be a little overwhelming to ponder what it means to be "in relationship" with the God of the universe. After all, God has many different titles and roles in which he could be operating. He is the Lord of Hosts (a military term), he is the Creator of the Heavens and the Earth, he is the Lord of Lords, he is Abba Father, he is the Lord our provider, the question is, who is God when God wants to be close to me?

I often feel like the four children in C.S. Lewis’ classic tale The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe, as they were told of the Great King of that realm, Aslan the lion. One of the children, being nervous to meet a lion, asked if he was quite safe, to which their host, Mr. Beaver answered, "Safe? Who said anything about safe? 'Course he isn't safe. But he's good."

The thought of vulnerability in the face of such power can be a little frightening to me. I personally only want to visit lions at the zoo, never in an open field. Likewise, many of us prefer to meet God only at church, where bulletins and songs can serve as shields to protect us from the full power of God's might. But to encounter God in only safe conditions that we control, is to miss out on the fullness of who
God is.

Only through vulnerability and surrender to God's control do we find what it means to be loved. Only through letting go of our own need to control will we learn what it means to be led by the spirit of God. Only by letting God be God will we find out what it means to be children of God.

For those, like me, who are frightened by the thought of relinquishing control, let me encourage you. He isn’t safe, but he’s Good.

Homework this week: Consider what it may look like for God to have complete control in your life for one day. How would things be different?

What's Your Story?

2009-10-11T22:00:00.000-05:00

"Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say: 'Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ. For the accuser of our brothers, who accuses them before our God day and night, has been hurled down. They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony;'"
—Revelation 12:10, 11a

Perhaps it is the abundance of unbelievable stories we absorb through movies and other media, but our culture, in many ways, has lost the art of story-telling. Perhaps it is yet another symptom of our "specialist" emphasis. (e.g. If you have a problem with your ears, you go to an E.N.T.; if you need a story you go to an author or movie producer.) Whatever the reason, as a culture we have devalued our individual stories.

Several years ago, my parents took a missions trip to Papua New Guinea. One of the things that made an impression on them during their visit was the storytelling culture. Any given person could regale you with the story of their life and family history. The same is true of many of the African cultures that I worked with in missions. Perhaps it is because their stories have not yet been drowned out by a summer blockbuster. But I have to believe that it is possible for us to reclaim the power of our stories.

I don’t believe that it is simply a good idea for us to think about our life story, I believe that it is imperative that we reclaim and tell our life story. There are three reasons we must reclaim our stories.

It reminds and encourages us.
Each and every one of us will experience a time of discouragement in our lives. If we take the time to write the stories of God’s faithfulness in our lives, then those stories will stand with scripture to remind us that God is always with us. When we write down the stories of the times we feel abandoned, then as we continue to seek after God, they will stand as a reminder to our prayers, and reveal to us how God answered each one.

It gives hope to others.
We are not alone in this. The things we experience today, someone else has experienced before, and someone else will experience tomorrow. When we tell our story, warts and all, it stands as a witness that they too will be able to make it through the difficulty.

It helps achieve victory.
In the book of Revelation, John states that the Saints of God overcame the Accuser (a name for the devil), by Jesus' sacrifice on the cross, and the word of their testimony. When we tell our story, the accusations of the Devil fall flat. The accusations against our worthiness and God’s love for us are all refuted by our story of God’s continued faithfulness to us.

Homework this week: Tell your story.

Ekklesia

2009-10-04T21:56:00.000-05:00

Ekklesia is a new Sunday Evening service
focused on intentional community.

Here at Faith, we do community well. Through small groups like Sunday School classes, Knitters, Choir, UMW and UMM, we care for one another like a family. Here at Faith, we care for one another, work together in mission, pray for and with one another, as well as worship together. In so many ways, this church family really operates as a family.

As we began talking about starting the evening service, we asked the question, what does our surrounding community need? What does South Tulsa really long for? We thought of facebook and twitter, myspace, linkedin, and a number of other social networking sites. We also thought of garage door openers that allow us to get into our homes without human contact. We see in our culture a desire to be connected, but in general a difficulty in actually doing so. The thing that the culture longs for, our life habits and technology actually prevent us from achieving. Even those who finally decide to go to Church, will find a place that is so big that it is easy to slip in and out of a pew without being noticed.

In thinking about what Ekklesia would be, we decided that what we do well, and what we have to offer to those who have no church home, is a place to belong; a place where you won’t go unnoticed in the pew. We built the evening as a snapshot of our Faith family. A meal together, a time of worship, and a time to be in community.

We have known from the beginning that some of you may make Ekklesia your service, you may prefer the style or worship, and you may enjoy celebrating communion on a weekly basis. You are welcome to come and be a part of it! However, our main goal is to fulfill the mission of the church, to change the world by sharing God’s love one person at a time. To reach out to our surrounding community, to those who do not have a church home, and for whom community is only a deep longing and not a reality, and to offer them a place to belong, a place where they will be cared for, and can care for others. We want to offer them a family.

Homework this week: This week you have a two-fold assignment. First, think of the ways in which we distance ourselves from those around us. (e.g. the garage door opener) Be intentional about making a connection with those around you (your neighbors, waiters, people in the checkout line.) Second, think of those around you who need a family, a place of community. Invite them to Ekklesia. Let us share our Faith family with them.

Whose Voice? Part II: Where is your Pasture?

2009-09-27T21:45:00.000-05:00

"My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me."
—John 10:27

Last week, we spoke about the place God's voice takes in our lives. It is a topic that has stuck with me all week, perhaps more than any previous article topic. As I reflected on last week’s homework,

Examine the voices in your day, both the voices of people, and of habits (e.g. How loud is the voice of your computer or TV compared to the voice of God?). Examine and set priorities based on your desire for the Shepherd’s voice in your life,

the question that embedded itself in my mind was, "Where is your pasture?" It's such a simple question, yet it is heavy with connotation.

The first question it raises is one of shepherds. Who or what am I letting shepherd me? Is it the TV Guide? Is it the Blogosphere or Facebook? Is it my favorite author? When I have a moment of free time, whose is the first voice I seek to help me fill it? I find myself, too often, following a different shepherd. To clarify, the things listed above are not evil or bad. To sit down and relax with a book or a football game on TV, can be cathartic. But when their influence in our lives begins to direct our choices, then we have allowed them, in some measure, to be our shepherd.

The second question it raises is one of diet. Anyone who lives in the Tulsa area knows that not all lawns are equal. In the same way, not all pastures are equal. The quality of the grass a sheep can get from one pasture will vary widely from what the sheep can get from another.

If we have Jesus as our shepherd, we will be fed with things that build up the image of God within us. We will be fed with things rich in love, joy and peace. When we have Jesus as our shepherd, anxiety is overcome by peace, frustration is overcome by patience, and fear is overcome by His perfect love.

Other shepherds, however, do not lead us to such green pastures. The other shepherds mentioned, are not out for our growth, but rather are out for their own glory. Jesus as a shepherd leads us to our salvation. Other shepherds invariably lead us to our destruction. They raise us to get fat, so they can sell our meat. Jesus raises sheep for the wool!

Homework this week: Examine the voices in your day, both the voices of people, and of habits (e.g. How loud is the voice of your computer or TV compared to the voice of God?). Examine and set priorities based on your desire for the Shepherd’s voice in your life.

Whose Voice?

2009-09-20T21:35:00.000-05:00

"He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice. They will not follow a stranger, but they will run from him because they do not know the voice of strangers."
—John 10:3b-5

There are those people who call us — our parents, spouse, children, friends — whose voices we instantly recognize.

I answered the phone this past week and heard a familiar "hey friend," on the other end. It was the voice of one of my best friends. I recognized her voice, because I have heard that voice countless times over the last 13 years. That phone conversation started me thinking about the voices we recognize, and are comfortable with.

There are those voices, like the voice of my friend, that you may go months without hearing, but are somehow able to instantly reconnect. There are the voices, like the voice of my parents, that you hear a couple of times a week. Then there are the voices, like the voice of my wife, that you could not imagine a day without.

I have to ask myself regularly, which of those voices reflects the voice of God in my life? Is he a good friend that I can gain great encouragement from, but can also go months without contact? Is God like a parent who provides deep insight and sound advice, but isn’t a necessary voice each day? Or is God's voice more like the voice of a spouse, who brings encouragement, and reality… pointing out both successes and failures, for the sake of encouragement and betterment? Is God's voice a voice that I cannot live a day without?

Jesus used the picture of a shepherd. The sheep spent every moment of every day within earshot of their shepherd. They slept near their shepherd, who perhaps sang to himself by the campfire as did David. The sheep knew the voice of the shepherd because they were constantly in the presence of the shepherd.

Whose voice will you hear this week? Whose voice will have the most pull in your life? Will you put yourself in situations of proximity to the shepherd or will you wait for his call in a few months?

Homework this week: Examine the voices in your day, both the voices of people, and of habits (e.g. How loud is the voice of your computer or TV compared to the voice of God?). Examine and set priorities based on your desire for the Shepherd’s voice in your life.

Loft-y Ideas

2009-09-13T21:30:00.000-05:00

"Sing praises to God, sing praises;
sing praises to our King, sing praises.
For God is the king of all the earth;
sing praises with a psalm."
—Psalm 47:6-7

I have some fairly lofty ideas. At 6:00 p.m. On the evening of December 20th, I want to see the choir loft full! I want to see 50 people between the ages of 13 and 113, who are willing to offer their voices in praise to God at Christmas.

I understand that the thought of singing in a choir can be a little intimidating. After all, you get all dressed up and sit with a large group of people, maybe next to someone that you don’t know, and then you have to sing.

But allow me to give you a different perspective. Every Sunday, you are a choir from my perspective. I look out and see a large group of people, all dressed up, sitting next to people they may not know and singing. The only difference is location!

Some think that since they can’t read music, they can’t be in choir. I’d say, if they can’t read music, they’ll be in good company! All throughout the year we spend time covering each difficult passage, and take time to learn a little music theory along the way. We try and make each part as easy to learn as possible. This is never more true than Christmas. If you decide to help us achieve our lofty goals, you will receive a CD with your part sung louder than the other parts, so you can listen and learn at home or in the car.

At Christmas we celebrate the story of our Salvation; that Jesus left the glory of Heaven and became a little baby that he might make a way for humanity to be reconciled to God! If anything is worthy of our song, this is!

If you like to sing; if you sing in the shower or in the car; if you sing with the radio; if you sing to celebrate someone’s birthday, then come and join your voice with ours as we sing praise to God in Christ this Christmas as we celebrate the birth of Jesus!

If you would like to join the Cantata Choir to FILL THE LOFT for Christmas, come to the Choir room (behind the chapel) on Thursdays from 7:15—8:00 p.m. for Cantata practice.

You might like to take this opportunity to join the Chancel Choir as well for our weekly anthems. If so, come to the Choir Room (behind the Chapel) on Thursdays from 6:30—8:00 p.m.

Homework this week: Pray the simple prayer, "God, show me how I celebrate your goodness to me. Help me to see the ways you want me to celebrate you." Pray about joining the Choir, consider making this an offering to God for Christmas.

Family Resemblance

2009-09-06T21:20:00.000-05:00

"I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."
—John 13:34-35

My son Israel looks just like his mother (I tell people, it's ok, because I was partial to her looks to begin with). Israel got my eyelashes, and I'm pretty sure that's it. In fact, I saw a t-shirt a couple of years ago that I've been tempted to buy for him because of its message: "I look like my mom, but I act like my dad."

I eagerly anticipated Naomi's arrival, wondering if maybe this time my image would be reflected in her little face. No such luck. Naomi got my fingers, and not much else. She looks just like her brother. You can tell that those two are siblings. They could be twins if they were a little closer in age.

I have this mental image of God in a maternity ward. Looking over his children, trying to see if any look like him. As each person enters into relationship with Jesus and becomes a "baby Christian," God points and says, "That one is mine!" and begins to look for the family resemblance.

"See!" I hear God exclaim to any who will listen, "That one has my compassion! That one has my sense of Justice. That little one over there shows my mercy. And that one over there, well she really looks like me, that one loves."

If we really want to look like God, if we really want the world to know whose we are, then we simply need to be loving. Love stands apart in the gallery of God's characteristics. God shows mercy; God delivers justice; but God is love. God doesn't just show love, God is love.

We seek justice for the oppressed because God is a just God, but if we are known for our justice alone, people will think we have a good social conscience. We have programs that reach out to the poor, we have programs to teach people about the Bible. We have programs out the wahzoo! But if we are known for our programs alone, people will either think that we have a lot of programs to offer or they will think that we are a busy people. But when we love, when we care for the needs of those around us out of love, when everything we do is characterized by love, then people will know that we belong to God.

Homework this week: Change the world...by sharing God’s love...one person at a time.

One Has A Song

2009-08-30T21:12:00.000-05:00

"So, brothers and sisters, what should you do? When you meet together, one person has a song, and another has a teaching. Another has a new truth from God. Another speaks in a different language, and another person interprets that language. The purpose of all these things should be to help the church grow strong."
—1 Cor. 14:26 (New Century Version)

In the sermon this week, Brad talked about Soren Kierkegaard’s belief that Christians were treating church too much like the theatre. Then Brad said something in conclusion. We have to remember that God is the audience.

Each week we gather together, and join our voices as a choir to sing hymns and praise songs to God. It is God, and not ourselves for whom we sing. The Praise Team and Chancel Choir practice each week to facilitate your song to God.

In Paul’s first letter to the church in Corinth, he encouraged the congregation to do all things in their gathering for the edification of the body, to help the church grow strong. One of the key points I see in that encouragement is that everyone has something to offer in corporate worship for the benefit of the whole church.

I believe it is true! Everyone has something to offer in corporate worship for the benefit of the whole church. We see in the passage a little of what that looked like for the Corinthians, but what does it look like for us today? Beyond sitting in the pew and singing the songs, how can we help the church grow strong?

Perhaps you are good at communicating ideas. You may be able to teach during the Sunday School hour. There is always a need for teachers in Adult, Youth, Tween, and Children’s Sunday Schools.

Perhaps you should look into becoming a Licensed Lay Speaker, and assist in our corporate worship. Perhaps you are a gifted musician. We have several existing opportunities for your involvement, including Chancel Choir, Praise Team, Handbells and more. In addition, if you would like to be involved in an ensemble we do not currently have, we would love to try and put those together.

Perhaps your gift is friendliness. You may want to be a door greeter, usher, or help at the welcome center.

Your Homework this week, is to pray and consider where you might serve to help the church grow strong. Find your place where you can make God the audience of our Sunday Corporate Worship.

Worth It

2009-08-23T21:04:00.000-05:00

"But he took her by the hand and said, 'My child, get up!' Her spirit returned, and at once she stood up. Then Jesus told them to give her something to eat."
—Luke 8:54-55

We have talked in this article about attributing worth to God in worship. We have spoken of the importance of our recognizing how much God is worth. Today I want to address the importance of recognizing how much you are worth to God.

Ask anyone who has attended Sunday School for any length of time, and they will tell you that "Jesus died on the cross for our sins." While this is ultimately correct, the grammar can be a little misleading. Jesus died on the cross so that we might have relationship with God. It is difficult to address how Jesus accomplished our salvation. The theological theories about how Jesus' death on the cross atoned for our sin fill many volumes of many books. But while it may be difficult to address how Jesus did it, it is infinitely more simple to explain why.

Like a loving parent, God wanted us to know His love. The distance that shame created between us was more than he was willing to live with. And so God came, God lived, and God died for the explicit purpose of restoring a relationship with humanity, and with you.

Shame, however, can be like sand. You find bits of it weeks after first contact. Every grain of it makes us withdraw a little from God. But it is God’s desire that we acknowledge the shame and let His love wash it away and restore again that close relationship.

Homework this week: Examine the distance between you and God. Are you as close as you feel you should be? If not, pray that God would remove the shame and restore the relationship.

Rich Young Ruler

2009-08-16T20:53:00.000-05:00

A certain ruler asked him, "Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?" Jesus said to him, "Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. You know the commandments: 'You shall not commit adultery; You shall not murder; You shall not steal; You shall not bear false witness; Honor your father and mother.'" He replied, "I have kept all these since my youth." When Jesus heard this, he said to him, "There is still one thing lacking. Sell all that you own and distribute the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me." But when he heard this, he became sad; for he was very rich. Jesus looked at him and said, "How hard it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!"
—Luke 18:18-24

I identify with the rich young ruler. Though by local standards I’m not rich, I’m quickly losing young, and frankly I don’t rule over anyone; but if I am not intentional about my attitudes, mine and his can look shockingly similar.

Here is a young man who loves God. He has followed the Ten Commandments his whole life. He desires to spend eternity with God, and comes to Jesus, whom he recognizes as a godly man and wise teacher, to pose a question. Whether he came full of pride or insecurity is faintly revealed by the story. We only know that he came sincerely asking, for he became sad when he heard Jesus' answer.

Growing up in the Church, it has always been my desire to please God. I have endeavored to live a moral life. But every once in a while, there is an itching question in my mind. "what must I do to inherit eternal life?" Like the young man in the story, I want to please God, and while I know that eternal life has been given to me through God's gracious sacrifice, and nothing I do can earn it, I do want to bear fruit in keeping with repentance. I do want to be made into the image of Jesus. And so Rich Young Ruler the question rolls around in my head.

So what must I do to have a different outcome than this young man? The answer is frustratingly simple. Hold nothing back. It wasn’t the money that Jesus was after. He had nothing against wealth. It was the fact that the young man had a "no" toward God. "No, God, there are something I won't do for you."

Every year we pray the "Wesleyan Covenant" committing ourselves wholly to God. But as the year rolls on, those words of commitment get drowned out by the roar of daily life. We must be intentional in our attitudes, guarding against anything that would become a "no" to God.

Homework this week: Examine your heart. Is there a question that God could ask you that your answer would be "no?" Pray for the strength to live a life totally surrendered to the will of God?

John Wesley’s Directions for Singing

2009-08-09T20:47:00.000-05:00

"Let everything that has breath praise the Lord."
—Psalm 150:6

Most of us, I would guess, may sometimes feel a little uncomfortable singing in church. Maybe the song is unfamiliar, maybe we are distracted by how good, or not-so-good the person behind us is. Maybe we're worried the person in front of us may be distracted by our voice. John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, wrote out "directions for singing" in an early hymnal, to help the early Methodists get past the uncomfortable awkwardness of corporate singing. His words to them may be of use to us.

I. Learn these tunes before you learn any others; afterwards learn as many as you please.

II. Sing them exactly as they are printed here, without altering or mending them at all; and if you have learned to sing them otherwise, unlearn it as soon as you can.

III. Sing all. See that you join with the congregation as frequently as you can. Let not a single degree of weakness or weariness hinder you. If it is a cross to you, take it up, and you will find it a blessing.

IV. Sing lustily and with good courage. Beware of singing as if you were half dead, or half asleep; but lift up your voice with strength. Be no more afraid of your voice now, nor more ashamed of its being heard, than when you sung the songs of Satan.

V. Sing modestly. Do not bawl, so as to be heard above or distinct from the rest of the congregation, that you may not destroy the harmony; but strive to unite your voices together, so as to make one clear melodious sound.

VI. Sing in time. Whatever time is sung be sure to keep with it. Do not run before nor stay behind it; but attend close to the leading voices, and move therewith as exactly as you can; and take care not to sing too slow. This drawling way naturally steals on all who are lazy; and it is high time to drive it out from us, and sing all our tunes just as quick as we did at first.

VII. Above all sing spiritually. Have an eye to God in every word you sing. Aim at pleasing him more than yourself, or any other creature. In order to do this attend strictly to the sense of what you sing, and see that your heart is not carried away with the sound, but offered to God continually; so shall your singing be such as the Lord will approve here, and reward you when he cometh in the clouds of heaven.

—From John Wesley's Select Hymns, 1761

What Is God Like?

2009-08-02T20:38:00.000-05:00

"And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, 'The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin.'"
—Exodus 34:6-7a

Rewind 31 chapters. Moses stands hesitantly before a bush that is burning but not consumed by the flames, full of excuses for not following the call of God. Moses, trying to wrap his mind around this experience, asks for the voice's name. Perhaps he was just curious, but more likely is that he was seeking authority. If one knew a god's name, you could call on that god and in essence command it. God answered, I AM. I exist. It was all that Moses needed at that moment, though not what he wanted.

I Am... It seems as though there should be more to that statement. As if God was not finished with his answer to Moses or to us. I Am… God cannot be defined by any other single statement, but throughout scripture he uses that statement as a springboard. I Am the Lord who heals you. I Am the Lord your provider. I Am the Lord your peace. I Am the Lord your righteousness. I Am the Lord who sanctifies you. I Am the Lord your redeemer. I Am. I Am.

I Am...what you need, when you need it. It is good to differentiate what we need and what we want. We still face difficulty and tragedy. We still walk through times of pain and confusion. We still have moments where we want to shout at the heavens, "GOD! Are you there?!" But if we listen, we will hear God answer us, "I Am."

Homework this week: reflect on your life. Ask God where he was in the difficult times, and listen for an answer. In what way is God revealing himself to you now?

Suddenly

2009-07-26T20:10:00.000-05:00

"See, I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me. Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, will come," says the LORD Almighty.
—Malachi 3:1

Thursday morning, after eight months of patiently waiting (and one month of not so patiently waiting), Kristin called to me from the other room to tell me that labor had begun. Five hours later, I was holding my baby girl. Thankfully, everything had been prepared, and we were ready. After all the longing, praying and waiting, suddenly she was here.

It seems so much easier to wait on a baby than to wait for God. We long for God to come and right the wrongs, to heal the wounds, release the captives, and bind up the broken hearted. We long for the tangible proof and expression of our faith. At communion we all declare "the mystery of the gospel" that "Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again," but it is hard to live out, because unlike a baby, God has no due date.

While we do not know when the Lord will return, according to scripture, both in Malachi 3 and Mark 13, we do know it will be suddenly. Suddenly, everything we have desired and sought after will be fulfilled.

Suddenly, Naomi was born, and I am grateful she is here! I am also grateful that everything was ready for her arrival. The day is coming when the Lord will return and I will be grateful! Will I have done everything possible to prepare for His arrival?

Homework this week: Pray and meditate this week on the question, "What must I do to prepare the way for the Lord to come suddenly in my life this week?"

Naomi was born on Thursday, July 23, 2009 at 11:28 a.m. She was 9lbs and 4oz. and 20.5" long. Mother and baby are doing great!

Finding Freedom: Part IV - The True Mirror

2009-07-19T19:58:00.000-05:00

"So when you are offering your gift at the altar, if you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift."
—Matthew 5:23-24

Talking about forgiveness is uncomfortable when we are addressing those who have wounded us. How much more so when we look to those occasions in which it is we who were the offenders. It is the plank in our own eye, keeping us from accurately dealing with the speck in our offender’s. (Matthew 7:3)

When looking at ourselves and our own shortfalls, it is important to make sure our mirror is accurate. There are so many fun-house mirrors that will keep us from dealing accurately with our own sins. Some mirrors inflate our own righteousness, and
some inflate our guilt. In either circumstance, forgiveness and freedom will be kept at bay.

In some mirrors we cannot see our faults. We have justified our every action and demonized the actions of those around us. In this mirror we look like a victim to the whims of everyone around us, and we hold bitterness against our perceived offenders. While it is true that there are times when we are truly blameless, it does not hurt for us to reexamine the offense from another perspective.

One way to do this, is to ask the questions, "How could I have handled this situation better?" and "Could any of my actions or responses be interpreted by another as an offense?" In other mirrors, all we see is our own guilt. We feel as though any attempt to seek forgiveness will be mocked by those we hurt. We believe that no amount of humility will soften those we hurt, and no repentance will cause them to forgive us. This kind of guilt draws us into a despair where it becomes difficult to even forgive ourselves.

There is a true mirror though. One that will show us accurately our responsibility without crushing us with shame. David shows us the mirror in a prayer that he prayed in Psalm 139:23-24. Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts. See if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

Homework this week: With paper and pen ready, pray the above prayer, and then listen.
Write down the things that God reveals to you. Do not argue with your thoughts, or justify your actions. If God brought it to your mind, it is best to deal with it honestly. Remember that God brings these to mind for your freedom and forgiveness,
and not to condemn you.

Once written, pray over the list, and ask God how he would like for you to proceed. Perhaps a letter, perhaps face to face, perhaps, just to forgive yourself and let go of the past.

Lastly, rejoice! God is bringing you into freedom!

Refuge

2009-07-12T19:29:00.000-05:00

"For God alone my soul waits in silence, for my hope is from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken. On God rests my deliverance and my honor; my mighty rock, my refuge is in God. Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us."
—Psalm 18:1-3

Our God is a God of many names: The Rose of Sharon, Lily of the Valley, Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace, Comforter, Our Provider, Our Healer, Lord of Hosts, and the list goes on. Some names describe God’s majesty, others his beauty, others address the character of God, and still others describe the way God acts on our behalf. Of all the names I have heard for God, there is one that resonates deeply in my soul each time I hear it — "Refuge." The Lord is my refuge!

I know all about refuge from growing up in the panhandle of Texas. When the sky turned green we would all head for the shelter to wait out the storm. It was small, dark, and damp, but it was safe.

I know all about refuge from the time I spent studying abroad in Bulgaria. When the bombs started dropping on Serbia and Kosovo, many Americans in the region were evacuated to the town in which I lived, nestled in the mountains away from the conflict.

I know all about refuge, I have weathered bigger storms than the panhandle could throw my way — some storms brought on by my own sin, some storms over which I had no influence. Through all the noise, in all the tumult, when no outcome looked pleasant, and nothing was certain, I was able to stand, because my refuge was in God. I have survived wars much closer than Kosovo. With battle lines drawn, and the crosshairs on me, when I faced the destruction of my hopes and dreams, I experienced peace because I had taken refuge in God.

Today, most of us could name our storm or war without a second thought. Our storms are as different as we are. They are unemployment, foreclosure, relational conflict, lawsuits, health issues, ailing family members, consequences to our actions, consequences of other’s actions that have swallowed us as well. These storms and wars rage on, often with no end in sight. But there is hope! Our God is a rock, he is our salvation and fortress! When we take refuge in God we will not be shaken!

Homework this week: meditate on Psalm 18:1-3

Finding Freedom: Part III - When Is Enough, Enough?

2009-07-05T19:43:00.000-05:00

"Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, 'Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?' Jesus answered, 'I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.'" —Matthew 18:21-22

We've spent the last two weeks talking about Forgiveness. We established that forgiveness is a choice, for we know that God is not a tyrant commanding the impossible; and we defined Forgiveness as "releasing my right to be angry and/or bitter toward a person for the wrong they committed and releasing the outcome to God."

We have addressed what forgiveness looks like in response to an offence, but what happens when the wound in question is not as a result of an event, but rather of a behavior. What happens when you can’t even count the number of times you have been wronged? The Rabbinical teaching of the day stated that forgiving someone three times was sufficient. Peter knew of Jesus tendency to require more than the other Rabbis, and so tendered the guess of seven times. After all, seven was the number of "completion." Surely forgiving someone seven times would be enough.

"I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times." Some translations read "seventy times seven." The extravagance shown in Jesus’ answer does not provide us a number at which we are free to stop forgiving, but rather gives us insight into the heart of God. Jesus answer to Peter, communicated to him, and us, "your extravagance in forgiveness (seven times) does not equal mine." His answer revealed that Peter's question, and ours, was incorrect. By asking, "how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me?" we really mean, "How long do I have to put up with this behavior before I can harden my heart? When can I start getting angry and bitter? When can I start inflicting my own brand of punishment?"

To those questions, this is the answer that Jesus gave to Peter. "I want you to form a habit of forgiveness. I want forgiveness to be the first thing in your mind when someone sins against you. I want bitterness to be a strange emotion to you. And I want you to trust me to heal your wounds, and to execute righteous justice on my time."

After all, isn't that how Jesus treats us? He has forgiven us of our sin, but we still lose our tempers, we still fall back into our bad habits, we still struggle with our addictions, and we still cave to our old temptations. God is slow to anger, he doesn’t hold grudges or harbor bitterness toward us. He forgives, and forgives, and forgives, and forgives. May we all learn to forgive like Jesus.

Homework this week: Write or revisit a list of names of those whom you have not forgiven, and write their offense next to their name. Pray that God would give you the grace to forgive. Then, one by one, choose to forgive.

Below is a forgiveness template that I have found useful. Imagine that person in the room with you and address the offender out loud.

(Name), you hurt me very deeply when you X____. But (Name), by an act of my will, I choose to forgive you for X_____. God, would you forgive me for holding onto this offense for so long. Help me to walk in the freedom that true forgiveness offers me.

Finding Freedom: Part II - What Forgiveness Is… And Is Not

2009-06-28T19:17:00.000-05:00

"This, then, is how you should pray:
'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.' For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins."
Matthew 6:9-15

Jesus, it seems, was pretty serious about our forgiving those who wrong us. He put some pretty strong conditions on forgiving, tying our own forgiveness to how we forgive.

We have established that God is not a tyrant, and as such will never ask us to do something that is not in our capacity to do. Unlike Pharaoh in the Old Testament, requiring more bricks, but providing less material, God will always provide for the task he calls us to. Through the grace of our Lord, Jesus Christ, we can offer forgiveness!

But forgiveness is hard! When we even think about forgiving "that person" the pain returns and the wound feels as though it were just inflicted. All of the emotion returns, and try as we might, we just cannot bring ourselves to release them.

It is important for us at this point to properly define what forgiveness is, and what it is not. We often withhold forgiveness, simply because we do not understand what it means to forgive.

Forgiveness is: releasing my right to be angry and/or bitter toward a person for the wrong they committed and releasing the outcome to God.

Forgiveness is not: treating the event like it never happened. Forgiveness does not mean that you were never hurt; it does not imply that the offense didn’t matter, or that it was insignificant. Forgiveness recognizes the depth of the wound, acknowledges the seriousness of the offense, and then chooses to relinquish the outcome to God.

Forgiveness is not: reconciliation. Though there may be a time when God nudges you to seek reconciliation; and though reconciliation may sometimes flow naturally out of forgiveness, they are not synonymous. In fact, there are certain circumstances where reconciliation is either impossible, or unhealthy. In circumstances where the person has died, or dropped off the map, it is not possible to reconcile, and in cases of abusive relationships, it would not be healthy to re-enter into those relationships. Forgiveness does not seek to reconcile, it only seeks to release our bitterness and control of the outcome.

Homework this week: Write or revisit a list of names of those whom you have not forgiven, and write their offense next to their name. Pray that God would give you the grace to forgive. Then, one by one, choose to forgive.

Below is a forgiveness template that I have found useful. Imagine that person in the room with you and address the offender out loud.

(Name), you hurt me very deeply when you X____. But (Name), by an act of my will, I choose to forgive you for X_____. God, would you forgive me for holding onto this offense for so long. Help me to walk in the freedom that true forgiveness offers me.

Finding Freedom: Part I

2009-06-21T18:50:00.000-05:00

"And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins." - Mark 11:25

Last week we spoke about the "one" choice. If you missed it, go dig through the archives to the left of the screen. After we've made the choice to obey, every other choice is either made for us, or put into proper perspective.

Since we’ve made the choice to obey, let us look at the second most difficult choice we will ever make—the choice to forgive.

Before we go any further, though, I would like to revisit the idea of forgiveness. Our culture has relegated forgiveness to an emotional response. We are told that it is only when we have "cooled down" enough, or when the pain has subsided that we can forgive. This picture of forgiveness is nothing but a lie. If we could not forgive until such time as we "felt ready" then God would be a tyrant for commanding us to do something we were incapable of doing. Like worship and love, forgiveness is an act of the will; not an emotional response.

Now that we are faced with the choice to forgive, why should we? Primarily, this comes back to obedience to God’s commands. If we made the choice to follow God no matter what the cost, then we must obey God’s leading. But why would God call us to forgive those who have hurt us so deeply? It is because of God’s deep love for us! God wants us to find freedom, and unforgiveness is one of the darkest prisons we will ever face.

When we refuse to forgive, it is not the one who offended that is effected, it is we who were hurt that are trapped, chained, and beaten by the recurring nightmare of our pain. It is only when we obey, and forgive, that the chains of bitterness, and the whip of anger dissolve. It is then that we find peace and freedom. This is God’s desire for us, and the reason for the command.

Homework this week: Write a list of names of those whom you have not forgiven, and write their offense next to their name. Pray that God would give you the grace to forgive. Then, one by one, choose to forgive.

Below is a forgiveness template that I have found useful. Imagine that person in the room with you and address the offender out loud.

(Name), you hurt me very deeply when you X____. But (Name), by an act of my will, I choose to forgive you for X_____. God, would you forgive me for holding onto this offense for so long. Help me to walk in the freedom that true forgiveness offers me.

Next week we will further examine forgiveness with "What Forgiveness Is...And Is Not."

Choices, Choices

2009-06-14T18:42:00.000-05:00

"This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the Lord is your life." Deuteronomy 30:19-20a

We are faced with a daily onslaught of choices—from the trivial choices of restaurant or brand of food at the supermarket, to choices of actions that hold our marriages, jobs, families, and lives in balance. There are life-choices, somewhere in between, that consume so much energy just in the choosing, that we may or may not have the energy to implement the action once we choose it (if we ever actually decide.)

In our passage of scripture this past Sunday, we heard that we shouldn’t be anxious about anything, but in all things with prayers, supplications, and with thanksgiving we should make our requests known to God (Philippians 4). How do we reconcile the anxiety we face over these choices with God’s command to not be anxious? What if I told you that if you were to make one choice, every other choice would become exponentially easier? Many years back I was faced with this choice, and it was a difficult one to make, but it has made all the difference in my life.

The choice is this: Will I obey God, or not?

I am not speaking of trusting in God at salvation, but rather I am speaking of discipleship, of total surrender to the will of God. Will I follow God where ever he may lead me, even if he led me into my worst fear? Will I obey God, even if God asks of me something I don’t want to give? Making that choice is often a fight to the death, for it is only when we are crucified with Christ that we find fulfilling life.

After that choice, every other choice fits into one of two categories: a choice that God has an opinion about, (in which case the decision is made by the previous choice), and a choice that God does not have an opinion about, (in which case is isn’t important enough for me to stress over).

Homework this week: If you are brave enough, realize that God wants every aspect of your being. Examine what that might mean. What would total obedience to God look like? Then, choose life so that you and your children may live.

First Things First

2009-06-07T18:19:00.000-05:00

"Bring the best of the firstfruits of your soil to the house of the Lord your God." -Exodus 23:19a

From time management gurus, to accountants, to my own mother—the phrase "First things First" is a favorite. It seems simplistic and trite at first glance. Obviously, you have to put on your socks before your shoes. First things have to go first. But as simple as the phrase seems, it is often exceedingly difficult to implement in our lives.

I don’t know about you, but I have a list of books a mile long that are waiting to be read. I have a list of home improvements that I’d like to make. I have a list of lists that I need to complete. And with all these lists, it seems they never get any shorter. It seems that the longer I look at the long list, the longer I can put things off. In order to make any progress, I have to forget the lists, and focus on one line. I, personally, can only do one thing at a time. I have to take one thing at a time, and put first things first.

I have another list, which I know that you have as well. I have a list of bills. There are student loans, utilities, rent/mortgage, and various other commitments, and it seems they all want a piece of my check! Then the pastor talks about the Tithe. God, it seems, also wants a part of my check.

Would it surprise you if I were to tell you that God doesn’t want 10% of your check? What God desires is 100% of you. By taking the first 10% of your livelihood, and giving it to God, you are making the statement, "I realize that God is my provider, and not my job. I acknowledge that God will provide for my needs, and that I am First Things First dependent on the Faithfulness of God to make it through this month." If I pay my bills, and see if I have anything left over to give to God, I make the opposite statement.

All throughout Scripture, God emphasizes the importance of "first things first." God asks for the firstfruits of harvest (for us that comes with a paycheck, and not with a sickle), he also asks for the consecration of the firstborn. First things are important to God, because they constitute our declaration of dependence upon God.

Homework this week: Declare your dependence upon God this week! Open the checkbook and write a tithe check. Read Malachi 3:6-17, and pray that God would prove himself faithful to his word, and provide for your needs.

Where do you want to go today?

2009-05-31T18:12:00.000-05:00

"Teach me your way, O Lord, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name." - Psalm 86:11

For all his flaws, King David understood the heart of God. I think that if I had written this psalm, it would have read, "Tell me your plan, O Lord, and I will get there any way I can; give me the all the details so the future won’t be such a frightening prospect." But David knew that if he had the whole picture, he would likely miss the point.

And just what is the point? We follow God, not to get somewhere, but to be something. God, I think, is much more interested in journey than in the destination. God is more concerned with who we are, than with where we are. Often times we get caught up with what task or to which position God may be leading us — should we stay with this job, or move to another — when God is trying to lead us into a certain character quality or attitude, and he may be able to use either physical location to achieve his purposes.

Perhaps you feel like the Children of Israel when they wandered for 40 years in the desert. You've seen this scenery before! If you find yourself walking in circles, God may want you to learn how to respond to those circumstances righteously before he moves you to your promised land. Don't give up hope. God has not abandoned you. In fact, it is just the opposite! God may want to teach you humility or boldness, hospitality or mercy; whatever the lesson may be, God wants to make you into the image of Jesus Christ.

Homework this week: Pray the following prayer from Thomas Merton—Thoughts in Solitude.

My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going. I do not see the road ahead of me. I cannot know for certain where it will end. Nor do I really know myself, and the fact that I think that I am following your will does not mean that I am actually doing so. But I believe that the desire to please you does in fact please you. And I hope I have that desire in all that I am doing. I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire. And I know that if I do this you will lead me by the right road though I may know nothing about it. Therefore I will trust you always though I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death. I will not fear, for you are ever with me, and you will never leave me to face my perils alone.

A Choosey Worshipper

2009-05-24T18:08:00.000-05:00

"Though [God] slay me, yet will I hope in him; I will surely defend my ways to his face." - Job 13:15

Job knew something of which we are often ignorant. The most important things in our lives depend on our choices. We often degrade love, forgiveness, and worship to simple emotional responses. But if these things were merely emotional, then they would be very fickle responses indeed. We would only love those who loved us in return. We would only forgive those who groveled enough to satiate our anger, and we would only worship a God who continually brought us good things.

If these were based solely on our emotions, it would also make God something of a tyrant! God has commanded us to love one another, to forgive one another, and to worship the Lord, our God, and serve him only! If we could not choose to do these, but could only love, forgive, and worship as an emotional response, then God would have commanded something of us that we could not give. But, I believe that Job was onto something.

Yes, Job was onto something. His children had all died, his health was failing, his own wife told him to "curse God and die" just to get it over with, his friends told him that all this trouble must be God punishing him for some hidden sin, and yet Job chose to worship. He chose to put his hope and his trust in God despite the circumstances. He went so far as to say, "God could outright kill me, and I would still put my hope in Him."

He knew what I often forget. My circumstances do not change God’s holiness, compassion, love, or any other attribute of his character. God
is still worthy of my hope and my worship. God is still worthy of our worship. God is still worthy of your worship.

This week, join with me in examining God’s faithfulness in the light of difficult circumstances; and join with Job in choosing to worship God in spite of, because of, and in all circumstances.

(Matt: 5:4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.)

Divine Consumerism

2009-05-17T18:05:00.000-05:00

"The zeal for Your house will consume me" John 2:17

In this age of Wal-mart, we all know what it means to consume. We know that the reason Wal-mart exists is because when we buy things, we use them. When we use things, we lose them. When we lose things, we need more things! And we know that when something is consumed, it is used up, and is no longer useful. Isn't that the point of consuming? But what if something could be consumed, and yet retain its properties? What if something could be assimi-lated and yet retain autonomy?

When God consumes something, it continues to be useful after consumption! In John 4:13-14 Jesus talks about consuming living water and never thirsting again; in Exodus 3:2, fire engulfs the bush, and yet the bush doesn't burn up; and in Acts 2, the Spirit of God envelopes the disci-ples and they become more useful than ever.

But why does it matter? How does this effect us? Simply this, the Spirit of God wants to consume us. God is never satisfied with a part of our lives. But that's what we tend to give God – a part of our lives. We cordon him off to Sundays and maybe one other night. We have our "spiritual side" that God has free reign over. But God is never satisfied with only part. He is interested in consuming us. God is interested in directing every aspect of our lives by his Spirit. It's a scary prospect – until we remember that when God consumes he multiplies; when God consumes he makes that thing eternally useful. So let us make this "Wesleyan covenant prayer" our own as the season of Pentecost begins:

Gracious and Compassionate God, I am no longer my own, but Yours. Put me to whatever you will, Place me with whomever You will. Put me to doing, put me to suffering. Let me be employed by You or laid aside for You, exalted for You or humiliated for You. Let me be full, let me be empty. Let me have all things, let me have nothing. I freely and completely yield all things to your pleasure and disposal.

And now, O glorious and blessed God, You are mine, and I am yours. Let it be so. And let the covenant which I have made on earth, be ratified in heaven. Amen.

Making Space: or "How I Lost My Closet"

2009-05-10T17:52:00.000-05:00

Almost three years ago, shortly after my wedding, I lost half of my closet. Those of you who are married know how lucky I am to have more than a fourth of it. One day I walked into my closet, and realized that I could no longer find anything. It had all moved. I learned that "off-season" clothes go under the bed in a specialized zippered bag. I learned that I didn't really need the space that I had grown accustomed to.

All of my necessities could actually fit in a much smaller space. And honestly, it was quite easy for me to relinquish control of that closet (and many other areas of the house.) It was easy, because I was delighted with what was occupying the space. It was easy because the space vacated by my "winter overflow" is now occupied with dresses, skirts, and blouses. Every time I look in the closet, I am reminded that I am loved. The space that I gave away is nothing in comparison to what I gained.

As we enter the sanctuary each Sunday morning, we are invited to make space for the Divine lover of our souls. It requires some rearranging and re-centering. We have to reorder our thoughts and priorities, shifting our attention from ourselves to God. As we prepare for worship each Sunday, we endure the trials of getting children ready for church; putting up with our spouse who is always late; putting up with our spouse who is always rushing us; keeping our cool as we tolerate Sunday drivers; not to mention a hundred other things I haven't listed. But the Spirit of God wants our closet space.

The room that stress occupies on Sunday morning is the space where God wants to hang His peace. Finally, we make it in the building, and make our way to the sanctuary only to find that some visitor is sitting in our seat! We find a seat as close as possible to our normal spot, and pull out the bulletin to see what God is going to do this week. But God wants our closet space. Just like my winter clothes, our routines are not bad things. When it gets cold, I need my sweaters, and there are times when our routines are comforting. But the Spirit of God has some things we may never have seen that He wants to hang up. If we choose to make space for the Spirit's will, every time we look at our worship we will be reminded that we are loved. The space that we give away is nothing in comparison to what we will gain.

Homework this week: as we enter the sanctuary, pray the prayer, "Holy Spirit, would you reveal to me the thoughts, expectations, and attitudes that I need to move into storage in order for Your will to be done in worship today."

True Treasure

2009-05-03T22:28:00.000-05:00

"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."—Matthew 6:19-21

These days the word treasure isn't bandied about very often. Perhaps you've seen your treasure eaten away by the moths in the financial systems. Perhaps a Bernie Madoff or two broke in and stole it. Whatever the case may be, treasure seems in rare supply. However, there are important lessons to be gleaned from this scripture, especially in these times when we can't afford for our treasure to be corrupted or stolen.

Someone once told me that their philosophy of investing was to invest in companies that interested them. If they shopped at Krispy Kreme, then they would buy stock in Krispy Kreme. If they shopped at Wal-Mart, they would invest in Wal-Mart stock. Their attention directed their investment. However, Jesus told the crowd, "Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Investment, Jesus said, will drive your attention. Isn’t it true? If you invest in oil, you will be watching oil prices. If you invest in IBM, you will be watching their stock closely.

Where your treasure is there your heart will be also! I have heard people say, "I would give money to missions if I felt led to, but I just don't have a heart for missions like some people." They say, "I just haven't found a place that grabs my heart to volunteer, but when I find it, I'll give of my time." It seems natural for us to let our investment follow our attention. This method of investment, however, leaves no room for God to inform or shape our attentions. If you want to have a heart for missions, or for volunteering, let your investment direct your attention.

Give to missions and you will find yourself interested in the results of a mission project, or of a specific missionary. Volunteer with the Children as a Sunday School teacher and you will find yourself interested in their lives. Work with the Youth and you will find yourself involved in their world. Join the Choir and find your attentions directed toward our expressions of corporate worship. When you invest your money, time, and energy—your treasure—you will discover that your heart will find a home.

When you invest the perishable treasures of earth into God's kingdom, you store up an eternal treasure that cannot be taken away from you. This treasure is not silver or gold, it isn't precious stones or stock certificates. All of these things will either pass away, or, when we pass away they will be of no value to us. But the treasures that we store up in heaven are the relationships we build, and the lives that we impact here on earth.

Homework this week:
Contemplate—Am I satisfied with my investment portfolio?
Decide—Where do I want to invest my treasure?
Act—Begin to Tithe this next week. Call and let us know if we can help you find a place to volunteer.

Scrambled Thoughts

2009-04-26T22:22:00.000-05:00

Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.—Gal 6:2
For You are the body of Christ and individually members of it.—1Cor 12:27

For those of you who may not know me very well yet, I'm not normally big on sports metaphors. The main reason for this, is that I would have to understand a sport before I could turn it into a metaphor for life. So in most cases, you're all safe. (That isn't a baseball metaphor either.) However, things lined up very well today, and a sports metaphor was born in my heart.

Over the last several weeks, Brad has taken us through the Apostle's Creed, and reminded us of the relevance of this ancient statement of Faith. This week the series concluded with "I believe in the Church." We heard how the Church consists not of a building, but of a people. We heard how we all are the body of Christ, and how, as saints (those called out and set apart) we are to be in communion with one another. We heard all this, and then we went out to play golf.

Now, golf and I have an ugly relationship. I bought a set of golf clubs in a garage sale over a decade ago. They were several decades old when I got them. I’m not sure why I bought them; it just seemed like a good idea at the time. My senior year in high school, as a transfer student to a private school, I learned the only way I could escape P.E. with the freshmen was to be in a sport. We've established my skill and understanding of sports above—so I played golf. (And I use the word "played" very loosely.)

After high school the golf clubs were put away; left to ferment a few more decades before they end up in another garage sale. But Bill Turner is very persuasive. Golf Fore Missions was fast approaching; and it was, after all, for missions; so out came the clubs. I joined a team, and even went out last Monday to practice.

Today, out in the driving wind, raising money for missions, I saw a picture of the communion of Saints, and what it means to be the church. Not in the jovial banter of the various teams; not in my team's forgiveness of my many faults; but in the very nature of the tournament.

You see, the Church, and the communion of saints, is very much like a scramble! Everyone takes a shot, and we take the next shot from the best ball! (I play a mean game of golf when I can shoot from someone else's lay!) This is the very essence of bearing one another’s burdens. I may not have what it takes today, but you come along side me and carry me through. You may not have the strength to make it through the loss of a loved one, or the loss of a job, but someone in the church steps up and walks beside you and carries you through.

Left to myself, all my best efforts at golf would be beyond miserable. But in a scramble, I was shooting under par! In life, left to myself, all my best efforts would often come to nothing, but as part of the body of Christ, while the Church bears my burdens, and I bear theirs, we are able to accomplish great things!

Homework this week—observe and become aware of the needs of those around you; and bear one another’s burdens.

Declaring Thomas

2009-04-19T22:12:00.000-05:00

Then [Jesus] said to Thomas, "Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe." Thomas answered him, "My Lord and my God!"—John 20:27-28

Thomas get's a bad rap! Year after year, we go around calling him Doubting Thomas, like school children on the playground trying to get under his skin. I'm sure he didn't expect that his one moment of grief would define him.

The truth is, Thomas only asked for what the other disciple's received. After the Resurrection, Jesus came into the midst of ten of the disciples and he showed them his wounds, spoke peace over them and commissioned them to the work of the kingdom. When the ten disciples saw this, they were "glad." I think to myself, surely that is an understatement, but that is what the text says—"the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord."

When Thomas returned from where he had been, the disciple's excitedly told him all that they had seen. They told him of the wounds, they told him of the peace, they told him of the mission. Thomas', with a heart full of emotion, only longed for those very proofs that Jesus offered to the ten. Thomas statement could be more accurately read, "When I see what you saw, I'll believe like you believe!" or "I want to experience what you experienced!"

One week later, Thomas was given that chance! Behind locked doors, Jesus appeared to them. He walked straight over to Thomas and offered his wounds. Thomas didn't ask Jesus for proof, he had asked the other disciples. But Jesus, knowing the heart, walked straight to the one who had been away and freely offered his wounds. Thomas' response, however, was slightly different than that of the other disciples. Thomas answered him, "My Lord and My God!"

Thomas was the very first (that I can find) who asserted the Divinity of Jesus. Oh, sure, I know we all think it was Peter, but I'm not sure Peter had quite grasped that aspect of Jesus. Peter declared that Jesus was "the Christ, the Son of the Living God." Those terms, however, which are found in Psalm 2:2 and 2:7, were simply Davidic or Messianic. The Jewish people did not associate the messiah with Divinity. Messiah simply meant "anointed one." Son of the Living God comes from God's statement to David in 2:7, and likely refers back to 2:6, which reads, "I have installed my King
on Zion, my holy hill."

Peter recognized that Jesus was the Lord's Anointed, but he was speaking in royal terms, he was looking for a King. It was Thomas who first recognized that Jesus was far more than Israel's conquering king. Jesus was, Thomas recognized and declared, God himself in their midst!

I often wonder why Jesus chose to reveal himself to all but one. Was Thomas slow getting the Marys' report to meet Jesus in Galilee? Was it on purpose that Jesus came when he was gone? Did Jesus want to test Thomas' belief? Did he want to set Thomas up for the revelation of Jesus' divinity? Did Jesus want to create a moment where he
could bless all of those who believe and have not seen?

All we, who have not seen and yet believe, are blessed by the faith, revelation and declaration of Thomas.

Homework: Meditate this week on the declaration, "My Lord and my God!"

Awake My Soul, And Sing

2009-04-12T22:01:00.000-05:00

My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and make music. Awake, my soul! Awake, harp and lyre! I will awaken the dawn. I will praise you, O Lord, among the nations; I will sing of you among the peoples. For great is your love, reaching to the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies. Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth.—Psalm 57:7-11

Even for all of King David’s mistakes, he was called "a man after God’s own heart." I think we catch a glimpse of that heart in this Psalm. David had been anointed as the next king of Israel, and the current king wasn't so thrilled about that. King Saul was out for blood, and would stop at nothing! David was a fugitive living on the run. At the time this was penned, he was spending his days hiding in a cave. If anyone had reason to be depressed, it was David. It seemed as though none of his dreams would ever be fulfilled. Everywhere he turned there were those who sought his life. He describes this world in verse four. "I am in the midst of lions; I lie among ravenous beasts—men whose teeth are spears and arrows, whose tongues are sharp swords." No one would blame him if worship wasn't the first thing on his mind. No one would blame him if he pointed his finger at God in frustration and shouted, "Why?!"

But David was a man after God’s own heart, and his response reflects that heart. Notice that he didn't sugar coat his circumstance, he voiced his frustration in those situations, but in the midst of that frustration he takes control of his response, "AWAKE, my soul! Awake, harp and lyre! I will awaken the dawn." He didn't allow his emotions to control his worship, rather he made his worship control his emotions!

We too face difficult circumstances. Our dreams seem like they will never be fulfilled. The loss of a job shakes our confidence and sends us into hiding. Disease threatens us with death, and we see time slipping away. All around us our enemies lurk in the shadows, waiting to destroy our hope, steal our peace, and kill our dreams. No one would blame us if we shook our fists at the heavens in frustration and shouted, "WHY?!"

When we come to these "cave moments" where our frustration and emotions run the highest, we do well to remember David. In these circumstances he called to mind the character of God. He spoke to his soul, addressed his emotions, and reminded them of the faithfulness and great love of God. "Awake, my soul!" We have something that David did not have! We have the knowledge of God’s saving power through Christ's death and resurrection. How much more can we say to our souls, awake?

Homework this week—Read Psalm 57. Identify and acknowledge the difficult circumstances in your life that are driving you to cave hideaways. Cry out to God, who is able to save. Speak to your soul, and worship God in the middle of your cave.

Awake, my soul, and sing
Of Him who died for thee;
And hail Him as thy matchless King
Throughout eternity.

For more examples of Worshipping God in spite of hardship, read through the book of Lamentations, paying special attention to 3:19-26 as it relates to the rest of the book.

God's Fight!

2009-04-05T21:44:00.000-05:00

"Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest's servant, cutting off his right ear. (The servant's name was Malchus.) Jesus commanded Peter, 'Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?' Then the detachment of soldiers with its commander and the Jewish officials arrested Jesus." - John 18:10-12

Earlier this same evening, Peter declared to Jesus in the presence of the other disciples, "Even if I must die with you, I will not deny you." And Peter meant it. He loved Jesus in a way that we, who are removed by time, cannot know in this life. He loved this Jesus enough to walk away from His "responsible life" of fishing. He walked hundreds of miles with Jesus; listening to him, hearing the warmth and peace in His voice. Jesus was his treasured one. Jesus was his hope, his promise, and his joy. Peter would die before he ever willingly gave Jesus up. And who could blame him. We all have passions, joys, and hopes for which we would fight to the death. So when these men with clubs and torches came to take Jesus away, he intended to make good on
his earlier declaration.

They were far outnumbered! There was no way to survive this fight, but Peter was going to take down as many as he could. There was only one problem. Peter's fight was not the same as God's fight. We, like Peter, often interpret what fights we believe should be important to God; we draw our swords, and at that moment are willing to die fighting our battle. But all too often our fight is not God's fight. If Peter had succeeded in his fight, Jesus would have lost in His. Peter, devoted disciple, lover of Jesus, follower of God, was fighting against God's plan. But Peter knew that Jesus was the Messiah! So imprisonment and death couldn’t be what God wanted! How could the Messiah rescue Israel if he was dead?!

For a few weeks, perhaps even months, Jesus had been preparing them. Three times he spoke of His death and Resurrection, but they couldn't understand. They refused to wrap their minds around a dead messiah. They knew that Messiah would save them. They just couldn't match Jesus' words with their paradigm. Jesus had comforted them, assured them that it would be alright, but when the time came, Peter still drew his sword.

But to make Jesus into the kind of Messiah that they expected, would be to cheapen God's plan. If Jesus were Peter's kind of Messiah, He would have ended up as another forgotten page of History. He would be billed as "The man who secured a brief period of political liberty for Israel." But, by putting his sword away and stepping away from the front lines, Jesus became the Messiah who secured our spiritual freedom for an eternity.

Friends, fellow lovers of Jesus, hearers of God, where do our fights not line up with God's fight? What things have we deemed important, that by protecting, leave us straining against God's plan? Like Peter, what swords have we drawn? Like Saul, who are we persecuting and oppressing? Like the children of Israel, our necks have become stiff, because God does not seem to be lining up with our picture of where He should be. It isn't that we don't want to follow God; we long to follow Him, but all too often we dig in our heels to protect what we think is important to Him, and refuse to hear any voice (even His) that gently tries to call us away from our battle stations. Church, let's lay down our arms, and take up our crosses.

Hosanna!

2009-03-29T23:14:00.000-05:00

Matthew 21:1-11
News traveled fast. It was nearing the Passover, the religious feast where the Israelites celebrated their freedom from the oppression of foreign governments. A festival that no doubt irked their Roman governors. The city, already buzzing with preparations, was set ablaze by the rumors. Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee, was coming toward the city — and he was riding the foal of a donkey. To this oppressed people, any passage of scripture that promised freedom would be high on their list to memorize; and Zechariah 9 would have been toward the top. Here at the festival of freedom they would be free.

Waving palm branches, and covering the streets with this symbol of victory, they cried out the traditional benediction to the feast of Tabernacles...a prayer for the coming of Messiah, "Hoshiah Na" (Please bring salvation! or I beg you, save now!). Hosanna, to the son of David! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the Highest.

Their expectation was at an all time high. "Could this really be it? Could all of our oppressors be on their last legs?" But Jesus was not that kind of King. The oppressors he was out to destroy were not the ones the crowd wanted destroyed. In fact, they had grown fond of the oppressors that Jesus came to remove. Pride, impatience, anger, malice, gossip, deceit, greed, sexual immorality, and the like, had become familiar. In fact, they no longer even thought of it as oppression. They would rather continue to live at odds with God, as long as politically they could be free.

This is why in five days, the crowd would turn. They would see Jesus pass up the opportunity to free them from the Romans. This person they thought was so strong, would be presented to them in chains. How could he save them now? And so the shouts ring out, "Crucify him!" The choice between Jesus and Barabbas, was a choice between a peaceful teacher and a revolutionary. They chose war, and a generation later Jerusalem lay in ruins.

History, as they say, is prone to repeat itself. What expectations do you have of Jesus? When you cry out "Hosanna! Lord Save!" what kind of King do you expect? When health fails, when jobs disappear, and your world is turned upside-down, will Jesus be what you expect? Will you, who laud him one day, betray him the next? If our expectations of Jesus do not match who He is, we too will face the choice of rejecting His work in our lives. Let us learn from the past; let us seek out and find what kind of King He wants to be.

Homework this week. Pray this simple prayer. "Merciful Christ, reveal to me the ways you want to rule in my life. Show me from what oppressors you want to free me."

Today

2009-03-22T22:45:00.000-05:00

Life is busy. We all have places to go and people to see. It easy to get caught up in the doldrums and monotony of life, but to do so we miss out on a hundred joys that each moment has to offer. There are any number of inspirational phrases that encourage us to live in the moment — "stop and smell the roses", "Carpe Deum." — Somehow we know that it is in these infinitesimal moments and not the in the grandeur of our plans, that we will find joy.

I have heard it said that the present is where time intersects with eternity. The past cannot be changed, and the future cannot be known. It is only in the present that we can make a difference. It is only right now that I can have the relationship with God that I desire. Yesterday cannot be changed, tomorrow cannot be known. It is only today that I can live for God. Only now, in this moment.

But moment leads on to moment. Task leads on to task. We are easily overcome by the urgency of the generally insignificant. And all the sudden, tomorrow begins ruling our lives. We don't have time for anything right now because tomorrow is the big meeting. Tomorrow the kids leave for college. Tomorrow I'll get that promotion. Tomorrow I'll have more time. But tomorrow never comes and a million moments are washed away into yesterday.

Perhaps for you, there was an event so devastating in your yesterday, that memories, sorrows, or regrets crowd out any possibility for a joyful today. Yesterday takes up so much of your attention that you shuffle through your today, and so tomorrow never comes.

We need a reset button. Something to help us focus our attention on what is set before us. I believe that God gave us that reset button in the seasons of the church. Throughout the year we are given several "reset" points, where we have an opportunity to focus our attention of Jesus; to stop the whirling thoughts in our head, and meditate on Christ.

It is found throughout life, it is true when driving a car, it is true when waking or running, it is true when plowing a field — you go where you look. What has your attention has all of you. Today, in this moment, fix your eyes on Jesus. Today, in this moment, spend time communing with God through prayer and the reading of scripture.

Homework this week:
Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.

Hallelujah!!!

2009-03-15T22:59:00.000-05:00

It's a word that is firmly entrenched in our religious vocabulary. It has found its way into our songs, our scriptures, our sermons, and for some, our daily lives. Despite its long-standing presence, it seems that few know what it means. Some believe that it is a synonym of "Amen" as a response to a good sermon — merely a word to convey strong agreement with someone. But the truth is far more fascinating and relevant to our life.

Hallelujah is a derivative of one of the seven Hebrew words that we translate as praise. "Praise" is a rather tame translation of the word. Hallelujah directly translated means "to be clamorously foolish." These days, with that definition, it almost seems more at home at a sporting event or concert than in church. When were you last clamorously foolish at church? In church, we generally relegate clamorously foolish to the student ministries. We'll let the children and youth handle that for us. But Hallelujah is a word for adults too.

In 2 Samuel 6, David has a Hallelujah moment when the Ark of the Covenant is returned to Jerusalem. He danced with all his might before the Ark as it processed into the city. When his wife expressed her disdain for him because that kind of praise was not befitting a King, David responded saying, "I will celebrate before the LORD. I will become even more undignified than this, and I will be humiliated in my own eyes." Our God has done great things for us. He has blessed us with families, friends, health and wealth.

If we look at our possessions in light of the people of Nicaragua (or any number of other countries across the globe), we would see that we are indeed, every one of us, wealthy. Our God is completely deserving of our being clamorously foolish in praise. Another example of Hallelujah worship is found in Job 1:21. On hearing of the destruction of his personal property, the loss of his livelihood, and the of several family members, Job replies, "Naked I came out of my mother's womb, and naked I shall return: the LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD." In spite of all his loss, Job relied on the faithfulness and inherent goodness of God. He praised God for God's character, even when he could not see God's action in his life. Even in those times when we face the devastation that Job experienced, we can lift our voices and our hearts to God in praise. In those moments, any praise seems like it is clamorously foolish.

Homework this week: Reflect on the character and acts of God. Meditate on how God has blessed you, and on how you have been sustained by his hand. Allow that meditation to bubble up into praise. Let us look to David and Job as examples of how we should be foolishly clamorous in praise to God, and let us live out our Hallelujahs before God!

All In One Accord

2009-03-08T23:05:00.000-05:00

I had the great opportunity this past week to attend the ACDA (American Choral Director's Association) National Conference in Oklahoma City. While there I was privileged to hear several world-class choirs, and learn from several world renowned conductors.

As I tried to take everything in, a curious thought entered my mind. A good choir serves as a picture of how the church is to behave. There are several groups who have different gifts. Each group uses their gift in a way that compliments the others. They all pay attention to the director, to make sure they are in step with each other. They listen to each other, making sure that they don’t drown out the sound of the others. And even when their notes and words are different, they communicate a consistent message.

Here at Faith we are a good choir! But even the best choirs have to be vigilant in maintaining their balance. Missions listens to Evangelism. Evangelism listens to UMW. UMW listens to Student Ministries, and together through our different notes, keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, we make beautiful, complex harmonies for the world to experience. This week in worship at 9:40 and 11:00, watch the choir. Meditate on not only the words they sing, but also on how they act together to convey a message, and lead in worship.

Speaking of Choir…

Each week a group of volunteers joins together to help lead in worship. They have different backgrounds, and different levels of experience in music. Some have been in bands and choirs all their lives. Some read music at sight, and some only listen and follow those who read. What they share is a love for music and a desire to enhance worship. I have been blessed by the commitment shown by this group and am honored to be a part of what they do. You too can be a part of this group! They rehearse on Wednesday nights from 6:30 to 8:00pm in the Choir Room (behind the chapel). You don’t have to be able to read music, you don’t have to be a soloist. All that is required is a love for music and the desire to improve our congregational worship and yourself through choral singing. We hope to see you on Wednesday at 6:30pm.

Why Vespers?

2009-03-01T22:51:00.000-06:00

One of the visible signs of a healthy church is that its demographic percentages closely mirror the demographics of the surrounding community. Among other things, a healthy church generally provides a snapshot of the community. Look around in any service on Sunday and you'll see every age group represented. Faith would easily pass its "yearly physical." However, across the country, in every denomination, one generation is disappearing. Those who are college age to around 32 years of age are not attending. If you look around on Sunday, you will see that Faith is doing better than many, but the percentage is low compared to the surrounding community. Even many who have grown up at Faith are absent. As I have talked with pastors around the country I hear the same thing over and over – This generation doesn't feel that there is a place for them in the church. As we have prayed about how to reach this missing generation, the staff, along with several parents whose children are no longer attending, have sought to meet the needs of this group through a new service called Vespers.

What will Vespers be like?
Vespers will begin each week at 5:30 pm with food and fellowship in the Great Hall. At 6:00 pm we will begin worship in the Sanctuary. Vespers will be a casual service with modern music of various genres; it will share a sermon with the three Sunday morning services, and will culminate with communion and prayer each week.

Who is welcome?
Everyone of every age group is welcome and encouraged to attend! While many things in Vespers were designed around the preferences of an age group, it is by no means limited to that age group. As you look around our worship space on Sunday morning, you will notice that in every service there are people of all ages. It is not our intention to make Vespers any different in that regard. Perhaps you'll come because you love the music, perhaps not. Perhaps you'll come because it's easier for you to come on Sunday evenings. Perhaps you'll come because you love that communion is offered weekly. Perhaps Vespers will go against every worship preference you have, but you'll still want to come because you love the people. Come join us for Vespers this Sunday at 5:30 pm for fellowship and 6:00 pm for worship.

Ashes to Ashes: We All Fall Down

2009-02-22T22:29:00.000-06:00

"for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus." Romans 3:23-24

There is something quite offensive about this verse, and many others like it. The Bible pulls no punches when it comes to our ability to fulfill God's requirements for righteousness. According to scriptures, the tattle-tale and the terrorist are united by a common bent to sin. The manipulator and the molester share the same condition. The prideful and the predator, the arrogant and the adulterer, the hypocrite and the heathen – they all suffer the same sin-induced separation from God, and they all have just as much chance to be justified by the Grace of God through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.

I don't know where I got it, but somewhere in all my years of attending church, I acquired a sense that God loved me more simply because I went to church. Oh, I knew we said that Jesus loved everyone, but surely he loved the preacher and his kids a little more, right? Surely Jesus loved the perfect attendees more than the Christmas/Easter crowd. Surely he would overlook my little sins because of my status, right? Right?

It happened to me, just as it will to everyone who is of that mindset. My pride went before destruction and my haughtiness before a fall. I came face to face with my sin, and what's more, with God's attitude toward it. My sin was not innocent or insignificant to God. My sin was the thing that stood in the way of God's will in my life. And I was not unique in that. Sin will always separate the sinner from the will of God; there is simply no way around it.

If you've made it this far, perhaps you know precisely what thing currently stands between you and the Will of God. Perhaps you just have a sense that something isn't right, but you can't put your finger on what it is. Perhaps you don't perceive anything out of line at all – and maybe, you're right. The season of Lent, which begins Ash Wednesday, the 25th of February, is the traditional time in the life of the Church to examine our lives and see if there is anything standing between us and God. It is a time of preparation as we look forward to Easter.

For the forty days of Lent (Mondays – Saturdays) we fast something, be it food or activity, to share in the sufferings of Christ, that we might also share in his glory; we examine our own fallen state, that we might wholly rely on God's grace for our redemption.

Homework this week: Pray, "Lord, reveal to me the areas in my life where I have sinned against you and others. Show me where I have resisted your authority in my life and give me the strength to submit my life to You."

And With A Word

2009-02-15T22:36:00.000-06:00

Mark 4:35-5:43

Peter grew up on the sea, an accomplished fisherman, a skill he learned from his father, and father's father. But this day Peter was about to face waves he had never before seen, created by a storm he could not navigate. It all started with a simple enough request. Jesus said to his disciples, "Let us go to the other side." Peter had made this journey hundreds of times, but today was different. As they made their way across the sea, a violent storm rose up, a storm so violent that these seasoned fishermen feared for their lives (4:38). But this storm was only the beginning of their wild ride. With a word, Jesus stilled the storm.

Safe on land, amazed, bewildered, and thankful to be alive – the disciples stumbled out of the boat. They came out of one storm, only to walk straight into another, a man who could no longer control himself, nor be controlled. His compulsions had taken over, and he had given into his demons. This was the last place they wanted to be. The graveyard nearby is where they wanted to leave the image of this man. "Stay with the dead, out of sight, out of mind." But with a word, Jesus freed the captive.

After another boat ride, a different storm appears. A frantic father fears for his sick daughter's life. Jesus follows Jarius through the rush-hour traffic of the market. But not even halfway there, he stops. Jarius pleads for Jesus to hurry, but Jesus looks around the market place and asks the unthinkable question, "Who touched me." Peter surveyed the pressing crowd and said what everyone was thinking, "Everyone touched you!" But a frail and fearful woman came forward. Chronic illness almost stamped out her life; it almost took her hope. But with only hope she touched Jesus, and with that hope, Jesus healed disease.

At that moment, when the disciples were sure that nothing could make this day any crazier, someone approached and announced that Jarius' daughter had died. The emotions had been redlining all day long, and now it was all they could do to keep it together. But Jesus continued on to Jarius' house. He entered the room of the deceased daughter, and with a word, Jesus restored her life.

Like Peter, we may feel fairly accomplished at life. But before us all are storms we don't know how to weather and fears we don’t know how to overcome. The only thing about which we can be sure is that change is inevitable. So in the face of the fearful storms, let us look to the Lord and listen for His Word.

Lord over disaster, demons, disease and death, reveal to me the storms in my life that you want to calm, the demons you want to silence, the diseases you want to heal, and the life you want to provide. Lord, by your grace make me into your fervent disciple.